Frequently Asked Questions about Preclearance of Food and Non-alcoholic Beverage Advertising

• What services does ASC provide?
• How will I know copy has been approved?
• How do I submit copy?
• How long does it take to make 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?

• Review of food and non-alcoholic broadcast advertising copy
• Consultation services for new product launches or new advertising concepts
• At your request, ASC Clearance Services will forward your approved submission to Telecaster Services of TVB and/or CBC Advertising Standards. However, you must follow up directly with Telecaster and CBC on the status of your submission.

How will I know my copy has been approved?

Your approved submission will be sent back to you with a 10-character lifetime ASC approval number (with the exception of commercials making a claim that the product is new, where the number is only valid for one year). 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, email, mail, or courier to ASC. (For copies in languages other than English or French, please provide a translation.)

How long does it take to make an evaluation?

Regular service: 48 hours from receipt of copy
Priority service: 24 hours from receipt of copy

What criteria are used to clear copy?

• Food and Drugs Act and Regulations
• The Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising

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.