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Email complianceReviewed September 7, 2026

What is CAN-SPAM?

CAN-SPAM is the US commercial-email law whose scope includes commercial messages beyond bulk mail, including business-to-business email.

Who this applies to#

  • The FTC describes CAN-SPAM as covering commercial email, including business-to-business email

What CAN-SPAM requires#

  • Commercial email requires accurate headers, truthful subjects, ad identification, a valid postal address, and an effective opt-out honored within 10 business days

What this does not require#

  • Strictly transactional or relationship messages are exempt from most provisions but cannot use false routing information

Common mistakes#

  1. Assuming business recipients are outside scope
  2. Publishing unsupported penalty amounts

CAN-SPAM checklist#

  • Use accurate routing and subjects
  • Include a postal address
  • Keep opt-out handling operational

Commonly confused with#

OnVoard's take#

Separate the law's message-purpose distinctions from operational unsubscribe handling and avoid unsupported penalty claims.

Official sources#