Frequently Asked Questions about Preclearance of Consumer Drug Advertising

• What review services does ASC 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 ASC provide?

Nonprescription Drugs and Natural Health Products

• Review of advertising copy for radio, television, mass print and other categories – e.g. newspaper, outdoor, point of purchase

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

Note: At your request, ASC will forward your approved submission to Telecaster and/or CBC Advertising Standards. Please note you must follow up directly with Telecaster and/or CBC on the status of your submission.

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 ASC approval number. This number signifies to broadcasters that the copy has been approved.

How do I submit copy?

• Step 1 Obtain a clearance submission form
• Step 2 Complete the clearance submission form
• Step 3 Submit the completed form and copy submission via the online submission process, fax, mail, or courier to ASC. (For copies in languages other than English or French, please provide a translation.)

How long does it take to do an evaluation?

Regular service: Four business days from receipt of copy
Priority service: Two business day from receipt of copy (Priority is only offered for nonprescription and NHPS)
DTCA: Four days
DTCI: Turnaround depends on the length of message and can be up to 10 days
Call us if you need quicker service, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

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 ASC 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?

ASC 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 ASC Clearance number, prior to airing, commercials must be approved by the public and/or private broadcasters to ensure their standards are met. Contact CBC Advertising Standards or Telecaster Services of TVB for complete details.

CBC Advertising Standards is the in-house review division of the CBC.

Telecaster Services of TVB provides commercial review services for its private broadcaster members.