See an ad that doesn’t seem right? Report it!

Do you know that there are strict rules when it comes to advertising therapeutic goods? Some medicines and medical devices can’t be advertised to consumers, while others need to follow certain rules. 

There has been an increase in the number of advertisements that break the rules, particularly on social media and online. While we work with major social platforms and retailers like Meta, Google, Amazon, and others to remove illegal ads, we also need your help. If you see an ad that looks like it’s breaking the rules, report it using our online portal. It’s secure, simple, and helps keep Australians safe. 

Why are there advertising rules?

The rules exist to protect the health of Australians. We should all be able to make informed decisions about our health without inappropriate influence. 

False or inappropriate advertising can influence consumers into thinking they need a product that may be dangerous to their health or not appropriate for their circumstances. The decision to use medicines and medical devices should be discussed with your doctor or health professional.

What can’t advertisers do?

Some medicines and medical devices can’t be advertised to Australian consumers, including those that:

• contain prescription-only medicines or substances (e.g. cosmetic injectables or weight-loss injections)
• contain pharmacist-only medicines (e.g. cold or flu medicines that contain Pseudoephedrine)
• are unapproved, that is, not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (e.g. vaping goods, medicinal cannabis or some sport supplements).

While advertising is allowed for the majority of medical devices and over-the-counter medicines (that have been approved for supply in Australia), advertisers must comply with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. This means advertisers cannot:

• make misleading claims about health benefits
• use customer testimonials that aren’t genuine or permitted
• fail to include mandatory warnings.

What types of ads can you report?

Even if you only suspect an ad for a therapeutic good is breaching the law, you can report it to us. This includes ads on: 

• social media, including posts from influencers 
• online stores or digital catalogues
• TV, radio or billboards
• business premises or in print.

What information do we need from you?

To help us investigate, you need to provide:

• information on where you saw the ad (e.g. website link, social media platform, store name)
• details of the product (name, brand, or description)
• screenshots or copies of the ad if possible
• details on why you think it breaches the Advertising Code (e.g. misleading claim, missing warning)
• your contact details (this is optional, but helpful if we need more information).

What happens after you report?

Once you submit a report:

1. our compliance team reviews the details
2. we assess whether the ad breaches the rules
3. if necessary, we take compliance and enforcement action which may include removing the ad, issuing warnings or pursuing fines or penalties.

If an ad for a therapeutic good doesn’t look right, report it using our online portal and help others make informed health choices.