Dutch lawmakers move toward ban on door-to-door sales after intimidation complaints

Dutch political parties are moving toward a possible ban on commercial door-to-door sales following reports of intimidation and aggression by salespeople, including telecom sellers who allegedly insulted residents and made elderly people feel unsafe in their own homes. The push is also driven by mounting evidence that consumers overwhelmingly oppose unsolicited sales at the front door.

A colportage ban is now being seriously discussed in the Tweede Kamer, according to a survey by AD, even though door-to-door sales are currently legal.

The renewed push comes as stricter rules on telemarketing are already set to take effect. From July 1, 2026, telephone sales calls will only be allowed with prior consumer consent, but no such restriction applies to ringing doorbells with a sales pitch.

The Consumentenbond has been calling for a ban since September. “There should be no sales pitch at the front door. That space should be safe. And private,” the consumer group wrote.

Research conducted among 7,500 panel members found that more than 40 percent had a “very” or “fairly” negative experience with a door-to-door salesperson in the past year. Complaints focused on persistent pressure, deception and aggressive approaches. Seventy-one percent said they find it intimidating when a salesperson unexpectedly shows up at their door, and more than 80 percent said they support a ban on colportage.

According to the Consumentenbond, door-to-door sales organizations prioritize closing deals at all costs. Sales staff are instructed to keep pushing, “do not ring” stickers are ignored, and sales scripts can reportedly include suggestions to lie.

The debate has intensified after AD documented misconduct by sellers working for telecom provider Delta. Residents reported being cursed at, while elderly people said they felt intimidated in the evening hours inside their own homes.

The Tweede Kamer previously adopted a motion in 2023 calling for a ban on door-to-door sales, but no concrete follow-up occurred. The market watchdog Authority for Consumers and Markets has also urged lawmakers to prohibit colportage. Even within the energy sector, alarm has been raised. One salesperson was quoted as saying, “If I had to introduce myself, I would say: I am a scammer in the service of Nuon.”

Several political parties now want to end commercial door-to-door sales altogether. SP, Volt, ChristenUnie and SGP support a ban, according to the AD survey.

The VVD also says current practices are unacceptable. “Aggressive sales practices, deception and ignoring ‘no’ are unacceptable,” said VVD lawmaker Arend Kisteman.