Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Panama
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Panama.
Overview
Marketing messages in Panama should rely on consent under Law 81 of 2019 on personal data protection and offer an easy opt-out.
Law 81 of 2019 and its regulations are supervised by the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI).
Spanish is the search language, with English common in international business and logistics.
WhatsApp is a major business channel in much of Latin America, while in the US and Canada it is used alongside SMS. Consent and data protection laws in each country apply to WhatsApp marketing.
Automated and prerecorded calls are tightly regulated in the US (TCPA and the National Do Not Call Registry) and Canada (CRTC Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules), and other countries in the region have their own registers and rules.
Advertising Rules
Advertising must follow consumer protection law administered by ACODECO.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Panama
Marketing messages in Panama should rely on consent under Law 81 of 2019 on personal data protection and offer an easy opt-out..
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Panama
WhatsApp Business API campaigns to customers in Panama need opt-in consent under Law 81 of 2019, in addition to Meta's business and commerce policies..
Read the guide →Voice Call in Panama
Telemarketing must respect consent and objections under Law 81 of 2019 and consumer protection rules..
Read the guide →RCS in Panama
RCS business messaging availability in Panama depends on operator and device support, so we confirm coverage before planning campaigns and keep SMS as a fallback; the same consent rules that apply to SMS apply to RCS..
Read the guide →Digital Habits and Channels in Panama
Panama has high mobile use, and WhatsApp is the main channel for customer communication. Law 81 of 2019 on personal data protection requires consent.
Panama uses the US dollar alongside the balboa, and Yappy is a popular mobile payment app. Carnival, the November patriotic holidays and Christmas are key periods, and many businesses serve international clients linked to the canal and logistics.
Panama's economy is built on services: the Panama Canal, the Colón Free Zone, international banking, logistics and Copa Airlines' hub at Tocumen airport, which connects the Americas. The US dollar circulates alongside the balboa, so prices are in dollars. The sales tax (ITBMS) is 7%. Law 81 of 2019 on personal data protection came into force in 2021 and requires consent for marketing. Many regional headquarters of multinational companies are based in Panama City.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Panama
Panama's telecoms regulator is ASEP (Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos), and Law 81 of 2019 on personal data protection, with its regulations from 2021, is supervised by ANTAI. The law requires consent for processing, allows people to object to marketing and sets rules for international transfers. Consumer protection is handled by ACODECO. Más Móvil, Tigo and Claro are the main mobile operators.
Spanish is used for most messaging, with English useful for the international business community, the Canal sector and tourism. The US dollar circulates alongside the balboa, so prices are usually shown in dollars. Yappy and bank transfers are common for payments. Carnival and the November national holidays are busy periods, and many offices slow down during them.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Practical Details
Country code +507; time zone America/Panama; currency US dollar (alongside the balboa) (USD). Usual working week: Monday to Friday.
Cities we cover in Panama
General information, not legal advice, as of October 2026.
Compliance in Panama: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Panama?
It depends on the channel. Sender IDs for SMS often need registration with operators or the regulator, WhatsApp requires a verified business account and approved templates, and RCS needs brand verification. Each channel guide explains the details.
Does data protection law apply to messaging in Panama?
Law 81 of 2019 and its regulations are supervised by the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI).
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
Plan Compliant Campaigns in Panama
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