• Preface

    Information about the industry committee (CAP) that writes the Code and why they’re committed to high standards in marketing communications.

  • Scope of the Code

    What the Code does – and does not – apply to. How the ASA assesses ads, including targeting and audience.

  • 01 Compliance

    Rules relating to social responsibility; legality and fair competition. It also spells out that the ASA applies the Code in the spirit, as well as the letter.

  • 02 Recognition of marketing communications

    Rules about making sure material is clearly identifiable as marketing communications / advertisements / advertorials.

  • 03 Misleading advertising

    A key and extensive section of the Code, containing rules such as substantiation (evidence to prove claims); pricing; the use of the word ‘free’; availability of products, comparisons, testimonials and more.

  • 04 Harm and offence

    Rules to ensure that ads do not cause harm or serious or widespread offence. Includes rules relating to shock tactics, unsafe practices and photosensitive epilepsy.

  • 05 Children

    Rules that must be followed if directing ads at children or featuring them. Includes rules about unsafe practices and unfair pressure; pester power and sales promotions for children.

  • 06 Privacy

    Rules about depicting members of the public; referring to people with a public profile; implying endorsement and the Royal Family.

  • 07 Political advertisements

    Clarification of when the Code applies to political advertisements.

  • 08 Promotional marketing

    An important section about promotions (e.g. competitions, prize draws, instant wins, front page flashes, charity promotions etc) and incentive schemes. The rules cover the administration of the promotion, as well as the publicity.

  • 09 Distance selling

    Rules governing marketing communications that allow readers to place orders without face-to-face contact with the seller. Covers cancellation; fulfilment of orders and refunds.

  • 10 Use of data for marketing

    Rules governing the use of data for marketing. Rules cover marketing to consumers and businesses, and deal with consent, legitimate interests and transparency.

  • 11 Environmental claims

    Rules about making ‘green’ claims for products or services. Rules cover evidence, the clarity of claims and ‘life cycle’ of products.

  • 12 Medicines, medical devices, health-related products and beauty products

    A high level of scrutiny is applied to marketing communications for such products or treatments. These rules cover evidence levels (very high levels needed for medicinal claims); suitable qualifications for those claiming to treat; medicines rules; herbal and homeopathic product rules; cosmetics and hair growth / loss.

  • 13 Weight control and slimming

    Rules for ads for weight control, slimming foodstuffs and aids, including exercise; diets, clinics and medicines. Rules cover the targeting of ads as well as the content.

  • 14 Financial products

    Rules for financial marketing communications that are not regulated by the FCA or Trading Standards.

  • 15 Food, food supplements and associated health or nutrition claims

    Rules relating to health and nutrition claims in foodstuffs; claims for vitamins and minerals; infant and follow on formula and food and soft drinks marketing to children.

  • 16 Gambling

    Social responsibility rules for gambling and spread betting. The rules cover content and targeting are designed to protect under 18s and the vulnerable.

  • 17 Lotteries

    Social responsibility rules that apply to lotteries (including The National Lottery; Gambling Commission licensed lotteries and locally registered lotteries).

  • 18 Alcohol

    Social responsibility rules for alcoholic drinks. The rules cover content and targeting are designed to protect under 18s and the wider population.

  • 19 Motoring

    Social responsibility rules for motor vehicles, covering safety, speed and irresponsible or anti-social driving behaviours.

  • 20 Employment, homework schemes and business opportunities

    Rules that require clarity of the nature of employment and business opportunities, including display of earnings and any commitments required from consumers. Section covers employment agencies, homework schemes, business opportunities, vocational training and instruction courses.

  • 21 Tobacco, rolling papers and filters

    Rules to prevent promotion of smoking via ads for non-tobacco products.

  • 22 Electronic cigarettes

    Rules that apply to the marketing communications for electronic cigarettes and related products.

  • How the system works

    Details around how the system works.

  • History of self-regulation

    Details of how advertising self-regulation developed from the 1880s to today.

  • Appendix 1 The CPRs and BPRs

    This section explains the law on misleading and unfair marketing communications. This law is reflected within the Code and the ASA has regard to the law when considering misleading, aggressive or unfair marketing communications.

  • Appendix 2 Advertising rules for on-demand services regulated by statute

    Rules relevant to advertising carried on video on-demand services regulated by Ofcom.

  • Appendix 3 VSPs Advertising rules for video-sharing platforms regulated by statute

    Rules relevant to advertising under the control of UK-regulated video-sharing platforms.