Frequently Asked Questions about Preclearance of Consumer Health Products Advertising

 

• What review services does Ad Standards provide?
• How will I know copy has been approved?
• How do I submit copy?
• How long does it take to do an evaluation?
• What criteria are used to clear copy?
• Who can I talk to about copy clearance?
• Do I need clearance by any other bodies?

What services does Ad Standards provide?

Nonprescription Drugs and Natural Health Products

• Review of advertising copy for radio, television, print and digital.

Direct to Consumer Advertising and Information (DTCA/I)

• Provide advisory opinions on consumer-directed messages for prescription drugs (DTCA)
• Provide advisory opinions on consumer-directed messages/materials discussing a medical condition or disease (DTCI)
• Provide advisory opinions on consumer-directed messages for the recruitment of clinical trial patients(DTCI)

Consultations

• Consultation services for new product launches and advertising concepts for nonprescription drugs and natural health products
• Consultation services for DTCA and DTCI

How will I know my copy has been approved?

Your approved submission will be faxed back to you with a nine-character or six-digit Ad Standards approval number. This number signifies to broadcasters that the copy has been approved.

How do I submit copy?

• Step 1 Go to the Ad Standards e-Clearance login page
• Step 2 Login or Create a new account
• Step 3 Enter your submissions online. (For copies in languages other than English or French, please provide a translation.)

How long does it take to make an evaluation?

 

Submission Type	Regular	Priority	Express
Nonprescription drug, NHP and medical devices
Radio, Television or Pre-roll	Four business days	Two business days	One business day
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM 1-10 pages/pieces	Four business days	Two business days	One business day
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM more than 10 pages/pieces	Four business days	NA	NA
DTCA/DTCI
Radio, Television or Pre-roll	Four business days	Two business days	NA
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM 1-2 pages/pieces	Four business days	Two business days	NA
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM 3-10 pages/pieces	Four business days	NA	NA
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM more than 10 pages/pieces (7 days)	Seven business days	NA	NA
Clinical Trial Recruitment
Radio, Television or Pre-roll	Four business days	Two business days	NA
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM 1-10 pages/pieces	Four business days	Two business days	NA
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM more than 10 pages/pieces	Four business days	NA	NA
Vaccines
Radio, Television or Pre-roll	Four business days	Two business days	NA
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM 1-10 pages/pieces	Four business days	Two business days	NA
Print, Website, Posts, Banners, SEM more than 10 pages/pieces (7 days)	Seven business days	NA	NA
Consultation
Consultation	Four business days	Two business days	NA

One business day is equal to 24 hours (business days only)

What criteria are used to clear copy?

• Food and Drugs Act and Regulations
• Health Canada Guidance Document: Consumer Advertising Guidelines for Marketed Health Products
• Authorized product information (TPD approved product label, Product Monograph, Product License, Labelling Standard or Category IV Monograph)
• Other relevant TPD Policies and Guidelines and ASC Clearance Policies

Who can I talk to about copy clearance?

Call Ad Standards at 416-961-6311 or 1-888-256-8646, press 1 and a customer service representative will assist you immediately.

Do I need clearance by any other bodies?

Ad Standards Clearance Services reviews advertising in 5 regulated areas to ensure compliance with specific sectoral legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines. For television advertising, in addition to obtaining an Ad Standards Clearance number, prior to airing, commercials must be approved by thinktv to ensure their standards are met. Contact thinktv for complete details.

thinktv clearance provides commercial review services for its broadcaster members.