New Advisory Mandates Self-Declaration for Food and Health Advertisements
In a move to bolster consumer protection and ensure transparency, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) in India has issued a revised advisory. This advisory mandates advertisers and advertising agencies to furnish annual self-declaration certificates for advertisements related to food and health products. This directive applies to both print and digital media platforms.
Streamlined Process for Enhanced Transparency
The new advisory simplifies the process by centralizing the submission of self-declaration certificates. Advertisers and agencies can now upload these certificates directly to the Broadcast Seva Portal for TV/radio ads and the Press Council of India portal for print media and internet advertisements. This streamlined approach aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the advertising ecosystem.
Empowering Media Stakeholders and Protecting Consumers
A notable aspect of this advisory is the relief it provides to media houses. They are no longer burdened with the responsibility of verifying the authenticity of self-declaration certificates. Instead, the onus falls squarely on the advertisers and agencies to ensure their advertisements adhere to all applicable Indian laws, rules, and regulations. This shift in responsibility reinforces the commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and upholding ethical advertising practices.
Upholding the Right to Health and Information
This regulatory measure aligns with a Supreme Court order issued in May 2024, which emphasized the fundamental right to health and information. The Court recognized the need for consumers to be well-informed about the quality of products they purchase. The self-declaration requirement acts as a vital tool in achieving this objective, ensuring that advertisements are truthful and accurate.
Key Implications for the Advertising Industry
The revised advisory has significant implications for the advertising industry in India. It underscores the government’s proactive stance in regulating advertising practices, particularly in sectors like food and health, where misleading claims can have a detrimental impact on consumer well-being. Advertisers and agencies must now prioritize compliance and transparency to avoid legal repercussions.
Key Learning Points
| Key Learning Point | Description |
|---|---|
| New advisory mandates self-declaration for food and health ads | Advertisers and agencies must submit annual certificates to designated platforms. |
| Streamlined process centralizes submission of certificates | Upload to Broadcast Seva Portal for TV/radio ads and Press Council of India portal for print/internet. |
| Media houses relieved from verification responsibility | Onus on advertisers and agencies to ensure compliance with Indian laws. |
| Upholds the fundamental right to health and information | Aligns with a Supreme Court order emphasizing consumer protection. |
| Significant implications for the advertising industry in India | Underscores government’s proactive stance in regulating advertising practices. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
