What is the mobile country code for Belgium?

The mobile country code for Belgium is 206.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Belgium?

No, sending SMS to landline numbers in Belgium is unsupported and will result in an error.

What is required for opt-in consent for SMS in Belgium?

Businesses must obtain explicit consent from users before sending marketing or non-essential SMS messages.

Are there restrictions on SMS content in Belgium?

Yes, gambling, betting, and casino-related SMS content is strictly prohibited.

Is two-way SMS supported in Belgium?

Yes, Belgium supports two-way SMS communication.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Belgium?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Belgium. The Sent REST API will return a 400 error if attempted.

Are there any restrictions for SMS campaigns in Belgium?

Yes, gambling, betting, and casino-related traffic is strictly prohibited, and you must comply with opt-in consent requirements.

What should I do if I want to stop receiving SMS messages in Belgium?

You can send a STOP message in your local language to opt-out of receiving further messages.

What happens if an SMS is sent to a landline in Belgium?

The Sent REST API returns a 400 error with code 21614, and the message will not be delivered.

What is number portability in Belgium?

Number portability allows users to switch mobile providers without changing their phone numbers.

Why is it important to respect time zones when sending SMS in Belgium?

Respecting time zones ensures messages are sent during local daytime hours, avoiding disturbances during the night.

What are the consequences of sending SMS to users on do-not-call registries in Belgium?

Sending SMS to users on do-not-call registries can result in legal issues and penalties for non-compliance.

Is it necessary to support STOP/HELP commands in SMS campaigns in Belgium?

Yes, it is necessary to support STOP/HELP commands to allow users to easily opt-out or seek assistance.

What is the dialing code for Belgium?

The dialing code for Belgium is +32.

What should businesses do to ensure SMS compliance in Belgium?

Businesses should consult with legal counsel to understand and adhere to local SMS regulations and compliance requirements.

Can I send marketing SMS without consent in Belgium?

No, you must obtain explicit opt-in consent from the recipient before sending marketing SMS.

What is the ISO code for Belgium?

The ISO code for Belgium is BE.

Are there specific times when SMS should not be sent in Belgium?

Yes, non-urgent messages should not be sent late at night or early in the morning.

What should be done if a recipient sends a HELP message in Belgium?

The SMS campaign should provide assistance or information in response to the HELP message in the recipient's local language.

How does SMS concatenation work in Belgium?

If a message exceeds the character limit, it is split into segments and reassembled at the recipient's end, provided concatenation is supported.

What is the importance of monitoring do-not-call registries in Belgium?

Monitoring do-not-call registries helps avoid contacting users who do not wish to receive messages, ensuring compliance and avoiding legal issues.

SMS Guidelines for Belgium: Compliance, Message Length, and Best Practices

Q: Is MMS supported in Belgium?

MMS is not directly supported in Belgium. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL for multimedia content.

Q: Does Belgium support two-way SMS messaging?

Yes, Belgium supports two-way SMS messaging, allowing recipients to reply.

Belgium is a significant market in Europe, making it crucial for businesses to understand the SMS guidelines for effective communication. Whether sending marketing messages, notifications, or transactional SMS, adhering to these rules and best practices helps avoid compliance issues and ensures smooth message delivery.

Key Locale Information

Belgium, identified by the ISO code "BE," is part of the European region. The mobile country code is 206, and the dialing code is +32. This information is vital for businesses using international messaging services.

Two-Way SMS and Number Portability

Belgium supports two-way SMS messaging, allowing recipients to reply, fostering interactive communication. Additionally, number portability is available, enabling users to switch mobile providers without changing their phone numbers.

Message Length and Concatenation

SMS message length in Belgium depends on the encoding used. Messages exceeding the character limit are split into concatenated segments. Sent supports concatenation, ensuring long messages are reassembled at the recipient's end. Note that for certain sender ID types, concatenation may not be supported, and behavior may vary based on character encoding.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not directly supported in Belgium. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL, allowing recipients to view multimedia content via a link.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers in Belgium is unsupported. If an SMS is sent to a landline number, the Sent REST API returns a 400 error with code 21614. The message will not appear in logs, and the sender will not be charged.

Compliance Considerations

Compliance is critical in SMS communication in Belgium. Businesses are strongly advised to consult with legal counsel to ensure adherence to local laws. Key compliance considerations include:

Gambling, Betting, and Casino Traffic: Strictly prohibited in Belgium.
Opt-in Consent: Obtain explicit consent from users before sending marketing or non-essential messages.
Timing of Communications: Send messages during the recipient's local daytime hours unless urgent.
STOP/HELP Commands: SMS campaigns should support STOP/HELP messages in the recipient's local language.
Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid contacting users listed on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.

Best Practices for SMS Campaigns in Belgium

To ensure successful SMS campaigns in Belgium, adhere to these best practices:

Get Opt-in Consent: Obtain clear opt-in consent from users before sending marketing or promotional messages to stay compliant with local regulations.
Respect Time Zones: Send messages during the recipient's local daytime hours. Avoid non-urgent messages late at night or early in the morning.
Support STOP/HELP Messages: Ensure your SMS campaigns allow users to send STOP or HELP messages in their local language, enabling easy opt-out.
Avoid Restricted Content: Gambling, betting, and casino-related SMS traffic is strictly prohibited. Ensure your messaging content complies with these restrictions.
Monitor Do-Not-Call Registries: Always check do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries before contacting users to avoid legal issues.

Conclusion

Belgium offers robust support for two-way SMS and number portability, making it ideal for interactive SMS campaigns. However, compliance with local regulations, including opt-in consent and content restrictions, is essential. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined above, your SMS campaigns in Belgium will be both effective and compliant.

For more information on SMS regulations in Europe, visit the European Commission's official website.