The CNMC gives an 'amnesty' to thousands of companies to continue sending commercial SMS with their aliases without official authorization
BusinessVila Real

The CNMC gives an 'amnesty' to thousands of companies to continue sending commercial SMS with their aliases without official authorization

El Periódico Mediterráneo - General11 September 2026 at 06:15

The National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) decided to grant a kind of "amnesty" to thousands of companies, allowing them to continue sending commercial messages via SMS using their aliases without needing official authorization. This measure represents a significant change in the regulation that had been in force for electronic commercial communications.

Spanish companies now have a deadline until September 15 to register with the CNMC the names by which they appear as senders in the messages they send to their clients. This registration requirement covers not only traditional SMS, but also MMS (multimedia) and RCS (rich communication services) messages.

The race for companies to meet this requirement has thus entered its final phase. Those that do not complete the registration within the established deadline may face sanctions or restrictions on the use of their commercial identifiers in electronic communications directed at consumers.

Related articles

Business

New energy surge leaves companies apprehensive

The new escalation of tension in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea has once again caused energy prices to surge, with the price of oil touching 100 dollars a barrel, increasing pressure on European and Portuguese companies that were already facing high energy costs in the first quarter. The Government announced measures such as a 3-cent increase in ISP, the extension of the 10-cent agricultural diesel support and the maintenance of the solidary gas bottle, but business associations consider these measures insufficient. The Portuguese Business Association advocates for measures targeting the most exposed sectors, while CAP estimates needs of 170 to 200 million euros and Apicer suggests reviving the former 'Apoiar Gás' programme, which made 190 million available for companies dependent on natural gas. Government officials leave the door open to further support, acknowledging the unlikelihood of a US-Iran agreement that would allow a significant drop in prices in the short term.

Jornal Económico11/09/26, 07:50
Business

Harvest yields 650 million liters of wine, up 12% compared to 2025

The grape harvest in Portugal is expected to yield 650 million liters of wine, representing a 12% increase compared to the previous year, in a context where European production fell by 11%. The president of the Vine and Wine Institute (IVV), Francisco Toscano Rico, highlighted that Portugal is in counter-cycle with the European trend, emphasizing this year's excellent quality and the early start of the harvest. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including a decline in global consumption exacerbated by geopolitical instability and trade tariffs. Although Portugal has demonstrated "superior resilience" compared to other European countries, the sector now exports to 150 countries and is betting on new markets such as India and Mercosur, particularly Brazil, to offset pressure on traditional destinations.

Jornal Económico11/09/26, 07:46
Business

E-commerce – is returning orders a nightmare?

This DECO MADEIRA article explains consumer rights regarding the return of online purchases in Portugal. According to the law, consumers have 14 consecutive days after receiving the item to exercise their right of free resolution, even without a defect, with exceptions being personalized products, alcoholic beverages, and sealed goods. Regarding refunds, if the order was sent using the standard method, the company is obligated to refund the value of the goods plus the initial shipping costs. As for return costs, these are agreed between seller and consumer, but if the product has a defect, the costs are always borne by the company. DECO also reminds consumers that in physical stores, returns are not mandatory without a defect.

Jornal Económico11/09/26, 07:45
Business

Wine business is turning sour worldwide

The wine business is going through one of the most difficult phases in the last 60 years, with world consumption declining and excess supply pressing prices and margins. Several countries, including France, Germany and Australia, are pulling out vineyards to reduce production. Portugal, although more resistant than other European producers, faces challenges: national production is recovering, but about half of the wine depends on external markets. The Government announced a credit line of 110 million euros and 12 million in support for the Douro, but CAP demands comprehensive measures for all regions and not just short-term interventions. The confederation also warns about competition from bulk Spanish wine and demands greater inspection and traceability. The IVV is developing a digital traceability system for all wines sold in Portugal, using artificial intelligence, and created the Vineyard and Wine Observatory to gather data on the sector. External promotion was reinforced, with the public funding rate rising to 60%.

Jornal Económico11/09/26, 07:43