• 07/05/2009
Film Ads can now carry a "certificate to be confirmed" tag, where appropriate. More info
• 07/05/2009
The Healthcare Commission has been replaced by the Care Quality Commission. More info
• 07/05/2009
Unenforceable Credit Services must be advertised with a specific caveat. More info
• 07/05/2009
Pay To Enter Competitions reliant on both skill and chance may be permitted to advertise. More info
• 14/05/2009
£1 Million competition launched by the Radio Advertising Awards for creative excellence. More info
• 14/09/2009
Scrappage Scheme Scrappage ads now just require a "see/ask if you qualify for the scheme" tag or similar.
• 05/07/2010
Update 41 is now online, and can be viewed here.



 




'Warranty'

Use of the words 'warranty' or 'warranted' etc. is acceptable only if a published document exists and its terms and conditions are inspected by the clearer (whether a radio station or the RACC). The meaning of the warranty should either be outlined in the advertisement or confirmation obtained that the published document is made available to consumers at the point of sale.


Weaponry

This is a prohibited advertisement category.


Weights and Measures

Weights and measures must always be quoted in metric terms. However, weights and measures may also be quoted in imperial terms (alongside metric), but never in imperial alone.


Window Companies

All factual claims about the size, quantity, quality/standards of double-glazing need to be supported by satisfactory evidence.

For claims such as 'six double-glazed windows any size from just £X,' the checklist is as follows:

  • are you satisfied that there are no important exclusions or limitations with this offer?
     
  • do the window sizes in the offer cover the smallest and the largest size available?
     
  • in the case of larger windows which may have more than one pane, are these counted as one for the purposes of this offer?
     
  • do the windows have openers? (at least half must)
     
  • does the price quoted include installation and VAT?

If all the answers to the above are 'yes', the claim is likely to be acceptable. Otherwise, relevant qualifying tags will be needed.

For 'cash-back' offers, check that:

  • they are based on a minimum spend and, if so, qualify this in the copy;
     
  • the customer receives the cash outright (if it forms a deduction off further purchases, this should be indicated in the copy);
     
  • the offer is underwritten by a finance company.

If there are several offers in the advertisement and a reference to 'interest-free credit', check whether the interest-free offer applies to all offers. If not, include the tag 'on selected offers'.