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Committee of Advertising Practice

Admired around the world for its creativity, the UK advertising industry sets a high standard in successful self-regulation. Our industry is governed by codes of practice that are designed to protect consumers and create a level playing field for advertisers.

Why gamble with the ASA? The Copy Advice service is here to help you avoid breaking the rules and potential action by the Advertising Standards Authority by giving you free advice on your non-broadcast marketing communications before they are launched. Check out our dedicated website.

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Changes to the Advertising Codes: nutrition and health claims in food ads

Today, the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) revised its TV and Radio Advertising Standards Codes to ensure they do not conflict with the legal requirements of Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods (NHCR).

A minor matter of major importance

If they choose to feature children in their ads, advertisers must take into account public sensitivities about how and for what purpose they are featured.  The public are quick to lodge a complaint with the ASA if they see something that they believe is harmful, offensive or inappropriate. Some salutary lessons on this topic can be learned from recent ASA adjudications.

Have your say in the ASA’s process review

The ASA has begun a review of its processes, with a view to ensuring its duties are carried out efficiently and effectively.

Read on for more information and how to have your say.

Forthcoming events

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CAP and Copy Advice team, in cooperation with the ASA, provide advice and training to advertisers, agencies, media owners and legal advisers on advertising regulations and the requirements of the Codes, ranging from short and sharp sector specific events to bespoke seminars dedicated to one company and its needs.

2010 dates have been released

21 April 2010 - Advice:am - Health & Beauty

6 May 2010 - Advice:am - Holiday and travel

27 May 2010 - Advice:am - Insider's guide to advertising

27 October 2010 - Advice:am - Graduates training

More dates and further information will be announced as soon as available.

 

Resource centre

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Advice and guidance

Assistance in complying with the Advertising Codes (Guidance notes, Help Notes, Copy Advice service and industry training seminars).

Research and surveys

Our research and surveys check the compliance rate and identify any potential problems in industry sectors.

Newsletters

Update@cap informs industry members of important developments in ad regulation.

Background briefings

ASA's summary briefing papers on some of the key areas, such as alcohol, children, environment and health and beauty.

ASA adjudications

Subscribe to the ASA adjudications RSS feed.

Useful links

Useful links to additional resources to help you with your advertising campaign.

FAQs

Answers to some of our more regular questions about CAP and BCAP and how the system works.

Industry zone

A secure zone for CAP and BCAP panel members and Ad Alerts subscribers.

Industry Zone

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Events programme

Check out the dates for this year's training and advice seminars for advertisers, agencies and media owners on advertising regulation.

Go to Events

Copy Advice

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FAQs

Have you got a question about CAP and BCAP and how the system works?

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