You may send product-related emails if:

• You received the contact information for the message in connection with a sale or a service to your customers.
• The message is sent to directly advertise your own similar products or services and contains no further advertising content.
• The recipient clearly and distinctly has, during registration and also during each transmission, the possibility to reject such use of this electronic information easily and free of charge (beyond the costs associated with a working Internet connection).
• The recipient has not unsubscribed from the mailing.

Place your UWG texts and checkbox  or opt-out link:

• On every page where the email address is required, clearly visible and placed directly next to the input field. It must not be behind a link or in a mouse-over, or as a footnote.
• On the checkout page.
• In every such mailing.

The minimum best practices for newsletter registration are as follows:

• The registration for each newsletter is separate. The subscriber must be able to register for each newsletter actively and separately.
• Opt-in must not be assumed - pre-selected checkboxes cannot be used.
• Unsubscribe methods are described at the point of registration for the newsletter, and in every form where an email address is inserted for the first time.
• This text must not be behind a link or in a mouse-over, or as a footnote.
• Mention all unsubscribe methods (such as email or web form). These methods can either be named explicitly or you can alternatively link to the privacy policy and explain them in there. 
• Only the customer's email address is allowed to be requested as mandatory field.
• Confirmed opt-in (COI) is permitted, double opt-in (DOI) is preferred. Single opt-in (SOI) is not permitted.
• No login is required to unsubscribe, i.e. it should be readily accessible by anyone.
• No extra steps are required to unsubscribe, i.e. it does not lead to additional forms, pages or links to complete.
• No persuasive language must be used to entice a person to remain subscribed.

Additionally, we recommend the following:

• Add a link to the privacy policy next to the opt-in.
• State the frequency of newsletters.
• If more than one newsletter is included in the subscription, state from whom the subscriber will receive which type of content.
• If you are doing affiliate marketing, all partner companies must be named explicitly (max. 10).
• Generally only one form that a subscriber needs to fill out should be used. In case the registration forms are split over more than one page, the first point of contact should be an image link that leads to a complete newsletter registration form.
• No advertising should be used in the form.
• Other means of subscription are listed (Facebook, Google+, Apps, LinkedIn etc.). Please note that registrations via social networks or apps must fulfill the same criteria as for email.

The newsletter itself should contain:

• A link to the privacy policy.
• A clearly visible unsubscribe link.

In addition to using List Unsubscribe, you should always add clear and obvious text in the footer of your email directing the recipient to an unsubscribe link.

These unsubscribe links should work on the first click and not require a second action to confirm.

Your footer should also contain a link to your Privacy Policy and Imprint.

In addition to the guidelines for newsletter unsubscribe, if you send the kind of unsolicited emails permitted by UWG §7 (3), you should also state this clearly and, if possible, indicate what was purchased and where. You can then continue with your standard unsubscribe text.