// Glossary
CAN-SPAM
The US law setting rules for commercial email: honest headers, a valid address, and a working unsubscribe.
Definition
CAN-SPAM is the US federal law governing commercial email. It requires accurate From and subject lines, a valid physical postal address, clear identification of the message as an ad where applicable, and a functioning opt-out that's honored promptly. It requires no prior opt-in for commercial email (including B2B) but does mandate easy unsubscribe and truthful routing. Violations can draw per-email penalties, so cold email programs must comply.
CAN-SPAM requirements in practice
CAN-SPAM is the US law governing commercial email. It doesn't require prior consent, but it does require accurate From/subject lines, a clear identification that the message is an ad where applicable, a valid physical postal address, and a working opt-out that you honor promptly (within 10 business days). Violations carry per-email penalties. In practice it's a low bar to clear with disciplined sending — honest headers, an address in the footer, and a real unsubscribe. This is general information, not legal advice.
Common questions
Does CAN-SPAM require opt-in consent?+
No — unlike GDPR, CAN-SPAM doesn't require prior consent for commercial email. It requires honest headers, a physical address, and a working, promptly-honored opt-out.
How fast must I honor an opt-out under CAN-SPAM?+
Within 10 business days, and you can't charge a fee or require anything beyond an email address to opt out.
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