> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.recart.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.recart.com/compliance-protections/required-compliance/sms-compliance-and-deliverability.md). # SMS Compliance and Deliverability Explains the SMS content and consent rules carriers enforce and the regulations, like TCPA, that apply by country. SMS is a highly regulated channel and is subject to different rules, regulations, and carrier requirements. Certain message content is prohibited and wireless carriers will reject SMS and MMS messages containing prohibited content by default. SMS marketing regulations vary by country, and businesses must ensure compliance with the relevant laws in their subscribers’ regions. In the United States, compliance with the [TCPA guidelines](https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tcpa-rules.pdf) is required. **Other notable regulations include:** Canada: [CASL (Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation)](https://fightspam.gc.ca/eic/site/030.nsf/eng/home) European Union: [GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)](https://gdpr.eu/) and [ePrivacy Directive](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/eprivacy-regulation) United Kingdom: [PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations)](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/direct-marketing-and-privacy-and-electronic-communications/guide-to-pecr/what-are-pecr/) Australia: [Spam Act 2003](https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00614) If your business operates internationally, we recommend reviewing the specific SMS marketing laws applicable to your target regions to ensure full compliance. ### United Stated and Canada SMS has two main laws that have been implemented and enforced by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission): the [TCPA](https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tcpa-rules.pdf) and the [CAN-SPAM Act](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business). SMS also has one main set of principles that is called [CTIA Guidelines](https://api.ctia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/190719-CTIA-Messaging-Principles-and-Best-Practices-FINAL.pdf) and has been implemented by the CTIA, which is a trade association representing the wireless communications industry in the United States. ### How Can You Remain TCPA Compliant? Being compliant when it comes to SMS marketing is crucial in order to avoid lawsuits and expensive penalties for TCPA violations. In the below sections you will be explained how you can remain compliant. ### Preparation Make sure you have your Terms of Service and Privacy Policy on separate links visible on the store. We strongly recommend you update your Terms of Service with SMS marketing-related sections. [We created a template that you can use.](/compliance-protections/required-compliance/sms-terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy-templates.md) ### Opt-in compliance You are only allowed to send marketing messages to those who subscribed to your text list. To have peace of mind that you’re growing your list in a compliant way, you need an SMS marketing platform that takes compliance seriously. Recart only provides SMS opt-in tools that are 100% compliant to TCPA, CAN-SPAM, and CTIA regulations. **Compliance features** * Clear, readable offer * High-contrast CTA * TCPA and CTIA-compliant legal language * Links to Privacy Policy and Terms of Service ### Message compliance * Send a legal welcome 1st message * This is included in all Recart SMS Flow by default as it is mandatory in order to comply with regulations * Include the business name as the first item in the message * Offer clear opt-out language "Reply STOP to opt-out" in most campaigns. Certain carriers recommend providing explicit opt-out instructions in every fifth message * Adhere to CTIA's SHAFT rule * The CTIA prohibits text messages that contain words related to sex, hate, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms (SHAFT). Even if your message isn’t related to SHAFT industries, using words that are similar can keep your texts from being delivered. That’s why it’s best to avoid keywords that increase the likelihood of triggering SMS spam filters. * Promoting alcohol is possible if the website is age-gated (no one under 21 can access it) * Avoid messaging customers too many times and inside quiet hours. * Smart Sending is set to 8 hours, and Quiet Hours from 8:00 PM to 9:00 AM. in subscribers’ local time zones to maintain SMS compliance and ensure optimal delivery. While these settings are fixed by default, we understand some businesses may have specific needs. Please contact our support team at [**support@recart.com**](mailto:support@recart.com) to discuss your requirements. **Note:** Additional documentation and approval may be required for any quiet hours modifications. * Send a maximum of one abandoned cart SMS message, within 48 hour * You can only send one shopping cart reminder text message per month, which means that you can no longer send a series of reminders * You must send the abandoned cart text message within 48 hours of the shopping event * You cannot complete a purchase using credit card details sent via SMS or collect payment via SMS in any manner ### SMS deliverability Deliverability is the ability to land your SMS messages into subscribers’ phones. **Main reasons for declining deliverability** * No welcome message with clear info and instructions (HELP, STOP) * No clear opt-out language in campaigns * Too many messages to a subscriber base in a short period of time * Prohibited content on link * Violation of SHAFT Make sure you do not include prohibited content in your messages in order for successful delivery. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to [contact the Recart Support team.](/contact-recart-support.md) We'd be happy to help! --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://help.recart.com/compliance-protections/required-compliance/sms-compliance-and-deliverability.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. 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