What is CAN-SPAM?#
The CAN-SPAM Act (2003) applies to all commercial emails sent to US recipients. Violations carry penalties up to $51,744 per email. Here are the seven requirements.
The 7 Requirements#
1. Don't use false or misleading header information
The "From," "To," and routing information must accurately identify who sent the email.
2. Don't use deceptive subject lines
The subject must reflect the content. "You've won a prize" when it's a newsletter is a violation.
3. Identify the message as an advertisement
Unless you have express prior consent, clearly disclose the email is an ad. A small "Advertisement" label in the footer is sufficient.
4. Tell recipients where you're located
Include a valid physical postal address — street address, PO Box, or private mailbox.
Example Corp | 123 Main St, Suite 400 | Austin, TX 78701
5. Tell recipients how to opt out
Every email must include a clear, conspicuous unsubscribe mechanism.
6. Honor opt-out requests promptly
Process unsubscribe requests within 10 business days. AcelleMail handles this automatically.
7. Monitor what others do on your behalf
If you hire a third party to send email, you're still legally responsible.
AcelleMail Handles Most of This#
AcelleMail automatically adds an unsubscribe link, includes your company address (set in Settings → Company), and suppresses unsubscribed contacts. Your main responsibility is honest subject lines and header information.
