Guidance on applying the Advertising Code rules

For therapeutic goods that can be advertised to the public, advertising must comply with the requirements in the Act and the Therapeutic Goods (Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code) Instrument 2021.

Some fundamental requirements apply to advertising of all types of therapeutic goods. In this section we'll help you consider how to comply with the Code.

We recommend you read the Code and the Guidance together when checking your advertising compliance.

All advertising must comply with the 2021 Code rules from 1 July 2022.

Note: Because we are also redeveloping the TGA website, this guidance has temporarily been published in Word and PDF format. Searchable webpage guidance resources will be published as soon as practicable on the new TGA website.

Application of the Code and general requirements

Part 2 and 3 of the Advertising Code

Part 2 - Application of the Code

Part 3 - General requirements

Part 2 and 3 of the Code guidance provides for when the Code applies to advertising, and that advertising must meet requirements including briefly that it is accurate, balanced, not misleading, is substantiated, and encourages the safe and proper use of therapeutic goods. 

Prominently displayed or communicated information

Part 4 and 5 of the Advertising Code

Part 4 and Part 5 of the Code require that certain information is prominently displayed or communicated in advertisements. This information is critical to the consumer when selecting a product.

Part 4 - Mandatory statements and other required information

Part 5 - Additional requirements for advertisements about particular therapeutic goods

Testimonials and endorsements

Part 6 of the Advertising Code

Information about Part 6 if the Code can be found on the guidance on testimonials and endorsements webpage.

Samples and incentives

Part 7 of the Advertising Code

Samples are therapeutic goods given for free. The sample can be the advertisement or offered in an advertisement.  Section 25 and Annexure 2 of the Code outline the rules around when and what samples can be included in an advertisement, or used as an advertisement, for therapeutic goods.

Restricted Representations

Part 8 of the Advertising Code

A restricted representation is a statement or claim in an advertisement for a therapeutic good which refers to a serious form of a disease, condition, ailment or defect. To understand the rules around restricted representations, read the guidance below, along with Section 27 of the Code.

Price information

Part 9 of the Advertising Code

There are rules about providing information to the general public about the price of prescription medicines and certain pharmacist-only medicines. To understand about the conditions and restrictions, read part 9 of the Code, along with the guidance below.

Australian Regulatory Guidelines for Advertising Therapeutic Goods

The Australian Regulatory Guidelines for Advertising Therapeutic Goods will be published soon.