Discusses the state of direct marketing and what channels are available for companies to use direct marketing.
Last Published: 7/9/2019

Austrian law strictly prohibits most forms of direct marketing.  Prior consent is required from the individual or business being contacted.

Even those who consented can withdraw their approval at any time. Furthermore, electronic communications must contain certain elements, such as information about how to opt-out and the sender’s identity.  A more thorough review of the regulations can be found on the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications website: https://www.rtr.at/en.

Austrian laws are being updated to fully meet the requirements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), privacy legislation implemented in May 2018 that impacts all sectors and types of companies.  The GDPR replaces the previous EU data protection Directive 1995/46 and requires businesses to inform consumers that they are collecting personal data.  In addition, companies must have a legal basis to process and retain the data.   This new regulation directly impacts companies selling through direct marketing channels.  In addition, a wide range of EU legislation exists impacting the direct marketing sector. Compliance requirements are most stringent for marketing and sales to private consumers.

For details on the GDPR and EU regulations regarding direct marketing, please consult the U.S. Commercial European Union Country
Commercial Guide  
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.