Quick Reference

Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2007

4(1)(a)
must comply with Australian law.

4(1)(b)
must contain only correct and balanced statements which the product sponsor has verified.

4(2)(a)
must not arouse unrealistic or unwarranted expectations of product effectiveness.

4(2)(b)
must not be likely to lead to self-diagnosis or inappropriate self-treatment of potentially serious diseases.

4(2)(c)
must not mislead or be likely to mislead.

4(2)(d)
must not exploit the lack of knowledge of consumers or abuse their trust.
must not use language that causes fear or distress.

4(2)(e)
must not cause people to believe that they have a serious ailment.
must not case people to believe that harm will result from not using the advertised product.

4(2)(f)
must not encourage excessive or inappropriate use of the advertised product.

4(2)(g)
must not claim that the advertised product is magical or infallible.

4(2)(h)
must not claim that the advertised product is invariably effective.

4(2)(i)
must not claim that goods are completely safe, harmless, or free of side-effects.

4(2)(j)
must not be directed to minors (subject to exceptions.)

4(4)
must identify the researcher when research results are published.
must use appropriate and understandable language when providing scientific information.

4(5)
if making comparisons, must make only balanced and accurate comparisons.
must not imply that the therapeutic products being compared are ineffective or harmful.

4(6)(b)
must not claim that the product advertised is endorsed by a government body, including the TGA.
if referring to sponsorship of a healthcare facility or government body, must not imply that the sponsorship is also an endorsement.
if containing an endorsement by a healthcare professional or healthcare body, must include the name of the endorser and acknowledge any payment or other valuable consideration.

4(7)
where testimonials are included, must contain only typical and genuine testimonials and must not be misleading.

4(8)
must not offer samples of therapeutic goods.

5(1)
must not refer to serious conditions such as cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, or mental illness (subject to exceptions).

5(2)
must not refer to serious forms of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, dental disease, bone disease, liver, endocrine, gastrointestinal, haematological, infectious, immunological, metabolic, renal, or respiratory diseases, substance dependence, without prior approval by the TGA.

6(3)(a)
must contain the trade name of the goods advertised.

6(3)(b)
must contain a reference to the ARTG indications for the advertised product.

6(3)(c)
must include the words “Always read the label” or a full list of the active ingredients.

6(3)(d)
must include the words “Use only as directed” and “If symptoms persist see your doctor/healthcare professional.”