The application of the Law on Consumer Protection starts on December 20, 2021, with its most innovative feature, “Do Not Call” Registry, containing a database of consumers that opted not to be called by phone or texted for advertising purposes regarding sales of goods or services. The consumer who does not wish to be contacted by the seller or the contracted advertising agency needs to ask to be added in the Registry by their chosen electronic communications operator. The seller’s or the contracted advertising agency’s obligation is to check in the Registry if the selected telephone number is on the Registry list, before texting or making a phone call.

The first step before the introduction of the Registry is elaboration of a by-law by the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, within a year after coming into force of the Law, which will prescribe in detail the manner of making entries and deletions, the requirements for the use and keeping of the Registry, the entry/deletion application forms and the deadline for the implementation of the Registry.

Following the adoption of the above by-law, RATEL will, within the prescribed delay, implement and keep the Registry, whereas the operator will make entries and deletions of the customers, in accordance with their contract regarding the use of publicly available telecommunications services.