Attention, all UAE startups! New telemarketing regulations have come into effect on August 27, 2024. These regulations aim to protect residents from unwanted calls and ensure ethical marketing practices. This guide will outline the key points you need to know;
Getting Started with Telemarketing:
- Prior Approval: Before engaging in telemarketing activities, your startup needs to obtain approval from the competent authority.
- Training is key. Invest in training your marketing team on the new regulations and ethical telemarketing practices.
Calling Regulations:
- Time Restrictions: Calls can only be made between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. No late-night sales pitches!
- Respecting Consumer Choice: Don’t call customers who have registered with the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR).
- Be upfront: Identify your company and the purpose of the call at the beginning.
- Honesty is the best policy: don’t mislead or pressure customers into buying products or services.
- One and done: If a customer rejects your offer, don’t call them back the same day.
- Respectful Persistence: Limit follow-up calls to one per day and two per week if unanswered.
Data Protection and Transparency:
- Record Responsibly: Inform customers if the call is being recorded and obtain their consent.
- Maintain Records: Keep a register of all marketing calls made as per the prescribed format.
- Data Security: Don’t disclose or trade customer data without their consent. Be transparent about where you obtain phone numbers and data.
Compliance and Penalties:
- Failure to Comply: Violating these regulations can lead to hefty fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh150,000 depending on the offense and frequency.
- Reporting: Submit periodic reports about your marketing calls to the competent authority.
Benefits for Startups:
These regulations create a fairer playing field for telemarketing, protecting your potential customers from unwanted calls. By complying, your startup can build trust and demonstrate ethical business practices.
Additional Resources:
- For more detailed information, refer to Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2024 and No. 57 of 2024.
This is just a summary. It’s important to consult with a legal professional for complete guidance on these regulations.
