Swedish Consumer Agency proposes total ban on telephone sales

The Swedish Consumer Agency (Konsumentverket) has officially recommended a complete ban on telephone sales, urging the government to take decisive action to protect consumers.

Agency Director‑General Cecilia Tisell described telephone sales as “problematic in its basic construction,” stating that even stricter oversight or rules would be insufficient to address the issue. The proposal was outlined in a report titled “Telephone Sales – an Unwanted, Inappropriate, and Deeply Problematic Business Method,” following a government mandate to bolster consumer protection, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Telephone sales have been, I would say, the biggest consumer problem for many years,” said Tisell.

The agency noted that consumers often feel overwhelmed during unsolicited calls, which hinders their ability to make considered decisions. Tisell also highlighted the prevalence of aggressive and deceptive sales tactics—not limited to fringe operators but extending to large, reputable firms.

“Large, established companies are behind a very large number of complaints to the authority,” she said.

If a ban is not pursued, the agency proposes an alternative "opt‑in" system to replace Sweden's current Nix register. Under the new model, sales calls would only be permitted to consumers who have expressly requested them.

According to the Consumer Agency, six out of ten Swedes avoid answering calls from unknown numbers to evade sales pitches—unintentionally missing important calls from entities such as health services or law enforcement.

Civil Minister Erik Slottner has said he will review the report's proposals thoroughly and remains open-minded. He expressed concern over vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by telemarketing, especially “the elderly, those with language difficulties, and people with certain disabilities.”

The Left Party, which has long advocated for a prohibition on telephone sales, welcomed the report, urging swift legislative action:

“The government must take responsibility: take part in the Consumer Agency’s investigation, follow its instructions and introduce a total ban on telephone sales,” the party stated.

By Vafa Guliyeva