News · Consumer rights · Published 10 July 2026
Sweden launches inquiry into possible ban on unsolicited phone sales
DailySweden Editorial Desk
Updated 20:13 · 4 min read
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Sweden's government has launched an inquiry into whether unsolicited telephone sales should face tougher restrictions or be banned. The review will examine the current rules, possible opt-in requirements and whether a prohibition should apply across the market or only to particular industries and products.
The Ministry of Finance announced the inquiry on 9 July. It said consumer protection needs to be strengthened when companies contact people by phone without being asked to do so.
The review follows repeated concerns identified by the Swedish Consumer Agency. According to the government announcement, the agency's inspections have found recurring shortcomings, while large parts of the population regard telephone sales as a problem.
The risks are particularly serious for people who may find it harder to assess or challenge a sales call. The government highlighted older people, people with cognitive disabilities and people with limited knowledge of Swedish as groups that can be especially vulnerable.
The problems are not limited to obviously rogue operators, the ministry said. Established companies have also been responsible for practices that consumers experience as misleading or intrusive.
Civil Affairs Minister Erik Slottner said the issue requires a thorough examination, including whether a ban could be justified. The inquiry will look at how consumers can be better protected when businesses initiate sales calls.
One option is to reinforce Sweden's existing self-regulatory system, which includes registration in call-blocking registers. The investigators will also consider an opt-in model requiring consumers to agree in advance before telephone sellers can call them. The government noted that some other EU countries already use this approach.
A third option is a ban on telephone sales. The inquiry must assess whether any ban should cover all unsolicited sales calls or be limited to certain sectors or products. No decision has yet been made, and the announcement does not change the rules immediately.
The assignment is due to report by 15 January 2027. It is being conducted as an internal ministry inquiry, with its findings expected to be presented in a memorandum. Any future restrictions would require the government to consider the inquiry's proposals after that report is delivered.
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