Making a complaint about the advertising of a therapeutic product
Advertisements for therapeutic goods (medicines and medical devices) directed to consumers need to comply with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code to ensure that the advertisements are socially responsible, promote their quality use and do not mislead or deceive consumers. Copies of this code are located on the ComLaw website <http://www.comlaw.gov.au>.
Approved advertisements
Advertisements for medicines appearing on television or radio, newspapers, consumer magazines, billboards and cinema films are required to be approved before publication.
Advertisements appearing in newspapers and consumer magazines also need to include the approval number. The approval number is usually in small print and begins with the letters "ASMI" or "CHC" followed by a 5-6 digit number and date code. Approvals are valid for a two-year period.
Lodging a complaint
Anyone may lodge a complaint about an advertisement for therapeutic goods and all complaints are treated in confidence. Anonymous complaints are also accepted.
When lodging a complaint, please include, where possible:
- A copy of the advertisement,
- The name of the publication and the date published (if applicable), and
- Details of what it is about the advertisement that is unacceptable.
Complaints about advertisements for medicines or devices appearing in radio, television, consumer magazines, newspapers, billboards, cinema or the Internet may be sent to:
The Executive Officer
Complaints Resolution Panel
PO Box 764
NTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Complaints about advertisements for complementary medicines (herbal preparations, vitamin or mineral supplements or homoeopathic preparations) appearing in publications such as leaflets, flyers, brochures, catalogues, letterbox drops or the Internet may be directed to:
The Secretariat
Complaints Resolution Committee
Complementary Healthcare Council
PO Box 104
DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600
Complaints about advertisements for pharmacy medicines appearing in publications such as trade journals, leaflets, flyers, brochures, catalogues, letterbox drops or the Internet may be sent to:
The Secretariat
ASMI Complaints Panel
PO Box 764
NTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Alternatively, complaints about advertisements may be sent to:
The Advertising and Export Section
Office of Non Prescription Medicines
Therapeutic Goods Administration
PO Box 100
WODEN ACT 2606
Further assistance regarding advertising may be obtained from the Advertising and Export Section of the Therapeutic Goods Administration by phone on 02 6232 8283 or 02 6232 8757, by facsimile on 02 6232 8659 or by email to tga.advertising@tga.gov.au.