What are the new plans to end cold calls in France?

Moves to completely end cold calls are taking shape following years of consumer complaints and failed solutions. Here is how France plans to solve the problem for good. 

The new plans to end abusive calls are spearheaded by a new law scheduled to come into effect by August 2026 (at latest) that targets fraud linked to public aid schemes and deceptive marketing, especially in the energy renovation sector.

Promulgated on June 30 and published in the Journal officiel on July 1, the law will impose a general ban on unsolicited cold calls from August 11, 2026, with stricter rules already in place for certain sectors.

Calls banned unless consent is clear

The principle of the new legislation reverses the existing model. Until now, cold calling was permitted unless a consumer had opted out via the Bloctel do-not-call register. 

From August 2026, it will be prohibited by default.

Telemarketing will only be allowed in two cases:

• if the consumer has given prior, explicit, informed and revocable consent;

• or if the call relates to an existing contract (the so-called “client exception”).

Consent must be provable, such as via an online form or in-person confirmation. 

A firm must end the call immediately if the consumer objects, and must not call again. It is also forbidden to make acceptance of marketing calls a condition for the sale of goods or services.

Companies in breach face penalties of up to €500,000 and five years in prison, particularly if they are found to have exploited vulnerable people.

Total ban already in force for energy renovation sales

A full ban on marketing by phone, SMS, email or social media already applies to the energy-efficiency renovation sector and adaptations for elderly or disabled people. 

This is intended to curb the abuse of state schemes such as MaPrimeRénov’ and MaPrimeAdapt’.

Offending firms risk being barred from claiming quality labels such as RGE (Reconnu garant de l’environnement), which are required to access many public subsidies. 

Repeat or serious breaches can lead to suspension or loss of certification, as well as fines.

As of 2027, firms issuing invoices for renovation works must hold the RGE label themselves, even if the work is subcontracted. 

From January 2026, subcontracting will also be limited to two levels.

Protection of personal contact details

Further measures aim to protect fixed-line phone subscribers. 

Landline numbers will no longer be listed in publicly available directories unless the subscriber has explicitly agreed. 

This aligns their status with that of mobile numbers, which have already enjoyed greater protection.

The law also paves the way for anti-spam filters to be used on SMS messages, mirroring existing controls for email. 

These tools will be used to reduce phishing attempts and other fraudulent contact via mobile devices.

The government has said the new framework is designed to deter not only aggressive sales techniques but also systemic fraud linked to public funding mechanisms. 

It gives new powers to consumer protection bodies, particularly the DGCCRF, to investigate and sanction offenders.