Fast-Track SWIFT Benefits
Expedited
The Fast-Track SWIFT process allows parties to receive an NAD decision within 20 business days from the opening of the caseSpecific
Challenges are limited to a single issue and must fit into one of the three “claim type” categoriesStreamlined
Submissions are made online and only one substantive submission is permitted per partyEligible Claim Types
Fast-Track SWIFT challenges are limited to a single issue. Claims that may be worded slightly differently but still convey the same message can be brought in a single challenge. Currently, NAD only accepts three types of claims for Fast-Track SWIFT challenges:
- The prominence or sufficiency of disclosures including disclosure issues in influencer marketing, native advertising, and incentivized reviews
- Misleading pricing and sales claims
- Misleading express claims that do not require review of complex evidence or substantiation such as clinical or technical testing or consumer perception evidence
Initiating a Case
All Fast-Track SWIFT challenges must be submitted via the NAD Challenge Portal and include:
- The advertiser’s contact information, including identifying the correct person to whom the challenge should be directed
- A copy of the challenged advertising and the date(s) and platforms(s) the challenged claim appeared
- A brief description of the facts showing how the advertising is likely controlled by the advertiser
- Exhibits to support the argument that the challenged claim is not substantiated (if applicable)
- A brief statement as to why the challenged claim is appropriate for the SWIFT process (e.g., it fits within the categories defined as appropriate for SWIFT review, etc.)
- The filing fee must be received by NAD before the 20-day countdown clock will begin on the challenge
Filing Fees
Filing fees cover some of the administrative costs associated with the advertising review process. Fees are based on annual revenue per the breakdown below. Filing fee waivers or partial waivers are available if economic hardship is demonstrated.
2021 Fast-Track SWIFT Filing Fees (effective January 11, 2021)
National Partner:
- Annual Revenue Under $250M: $12,000
- Annual Revenue Under $5B: $32,000
- Annual Revenue Over $5B: $40,000
Non-National Partner:
- Annual Revenue Under $250M: $15,000
- Annual Revenue Under $5B: $40,000
- Annual Revenue Over $5B: $50,000
The filing fees should be accompanied by a statement indicating the category into which the challenger’s gross annual revenue falls. In the case of a subsidiary, the filing fee is determined by the gross annual revenue of the parent company.
SWIFT Case Decisions
Two Fast-Track SWIFT Cases Close in October, One Voluntary Discontinuation of Claim and One Administrative Closure
NAD Recommends Similac Discontinue “#1 Pediatrician Recommended Brands” Claim in Resolved Fast-Track SWIFT Case
NAD Fast-Track SWIFT Cases Resolved by Voluntary Discontinuation of Claims and One by Recommendation to Discontinue Claim in Google Ads
The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs announced three new cases resolved in the month of June using its efficient Fast-Track SWIFT (Single Well-Defined Issue Fast Track) challenge...
First Three NAD Fast-Track SWIFT Cases Resolved by Government Agency Referral, Modified Claim, and Administrative Closure