Do-not-call registry

Also known as: BMNR

The Bel-me-niet Register is a database of telephone numbers in which consumers can register if they do not want to be contacted by companies by telephone without being asked. People who are registered in the register may not receive unsolicited phone calls. The legislation surrounding the registry means that an opt-out principle applies to telemarketing in our country. Consumers who have not registered with the Bel-me-niet Register can in principle be approached freely.

The register is managed by the Infofilter Foundation. Due to a change in the Telecommunications Act, companies have been required to first consult the Call-me-not Register since 2009. Until then, the register was voluntary.

The establishment of the registry is a response to the nuisance that many people experience from telemarketers. In the same year, sending spam to businesses was also banned. Earlier, a spam ban for individuals had been put into effect.

The obligation in the law uses the broad definition of the term "consumer," thus including sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited liability companies. In addition to individuals, these types of companies can also register. Companies with legal forms such as BV and NV cannot register.

Registration in the Call-me-not Register

One way to register is through the Registry's website. Registration is on the basis of telephone number. To put an end to unsolicited phone calls on different numbers, for example your landline and mobile number, these phone numbers must therefore be registered separately.

When registering, a choice can be made between full blocking, or blocking for companies in one or more of the following categories:

• Cars and Accessories
• Books and Music
• Energy
• Finance (banking and insurance)
• Charities (fundraising)
• Horoscopes
• Lotteries
• Newspapers and Magazines
• Telecommunications and Computers
• Home shopping - Mail order

Approaching customers and right to object

An exception to the advance obligation of the Call-me-not Register applies to customers and former customers of a company. People who are (former) customers may be called even if they are listed in the register. If (former) customers do not appreciate this, they can exercise the right to object. In doing so, the company must remove the person's telephone data from all marketing files.

Since 2011, companies have been required to point out the Do-not-Call Registry and the right to object at the end of every call. People can exercise this by using a tape or verbally through the telemarketer on the line. This option is called direct opt-out.