# Export and Import

Outbound Call Frequency Restriction rules limit how many outbound calls an extension or trunk can place within a set time window. They are a security control: capping call frequency helps protect the system against toll fraud (an attacker taking over a line to place large volumes of expensive calls).

Cloud Voice lets you move these rules in and out of the PBX (Private Branch Exchange, the phone system that routes your calls) as a CSV (comma-separated values) file. Export the current rules to keep a working copy or template, edit the file to add or adjust restrictions, then import it to apply all of your changes at once.

## Export the rules

Exporting writes every existing Outbound Call Frequency Restriction rule to a single CSV file that you can add to, trim down, or edit as needed.

1. Sign in to the PBX web portal and open **Security > Security Rules > Outbound Call Frequency Restriction**.
2. Select **Export**.

   The CSV file downloads to your computer. For a breakdown of each column and the values it accepts, see [Outbound Call Frequency Restriction Rule Parameters](/pbx/administrator-guide/import-and-export-parameters-outbound-call-frequency-restriction-rule/).

:::note
Export is read-only. It only downloads a copy of the current rules and changes nothing on the PBX, so it is always safe to run.
:::

## Import the rules

:::tip
Export the current rules first and edit that file as your starting template. Working from the exported layout is faster than building a CSV from scratch and helps you avoid formatting mistakes.
:::

Before you import, confirm the file meets these requirements:

- **Format**: UTF-8 CSV (a plain-text file saved with UTF-8 character encoding)
- **Size**: under 50 MB
- **File name**: fewer than 127 characters
- **Contents**: every value follows the rules described in [Outbound Call Frequency Restriction Rule Parameters](/pbx/administrator-guide/import-and-export-parameters-outbound-call-frequency-restriction-rule/).

:::caution
These are live security rules that govern outbound calling. Double-check the values before you import: rules that are too strict can block legitimate calls, while rules that are too loose can leave the system exposed to toll fraud.
:::

To import:

1. Sign in to the PBX web portal and open **Security > Security Rules > Outbound Call Frequency Restriction**.
2. Select **Import**.
3. In the window that opens, select **Browse** and choose your CSV file.
4. Select **Import**.

   The rules from the file appear in the **Outbound Call Frequency Restriction** list.