National Advertising Division
Program Impact
Policies & Procedures
NAD/NARB Procedures and FTC Resolution of Referrals. Read the Policies & ProceduresNAD Challenges
The NAD Challenge process brings value to business by leveling the playing field and enhancing consumer trust in the marketplace.
Fast-Track SWIFT
Single-issue advertising cases with decisions in 20 business days.Standard Track
Open to a variety of case types with decisions 20 business days following the final meeting.Complex Track
Cases requiring complex substantiation with decisions 30 business days following the final meeting.
NAD’s Monitoring Program
As part of its public interest mission to ensure consumers receive truthful and accurate advertising messages, NAD initiates approximately 20-25% of its cases each year based on its own monitoring of advertising in a wide variety of product categories. The goal of NAD’s monitoring cases is to expand the universe of advertising claims that are reviewed for truth and transparency and provide guidance for future advertising. In determining whether to open a monitoring case, NAD considers whether the advertising meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Targets a vulnerable population (elderly, children, special needs, etc.);
- Capitalizes on consumer fears or misunderstanding;
- Fills a gap in regulatory efforts of the FTC and state AGs;
- Addresses novel or emerging issue of interest for the advertising industry;
- Concerns claims that consumers cannot evaluate for themselves;
- Achieves diversity among industries that historically participate in self-regulation.
NAD Annual Reports:
The NAD Annual Report includes a year in review, exclusive insight on ad law case trends, a wrap-up of each year’s annual conference, and an extensive summary of the year’s casework.
Recent Decisions
In National Advertising Division Fast-Track SWIFT Challenge Eagle Family Foods Voluntarily Discontinues “America’s Most Trusted” Claim
New York, NY – December 10, 2024 – In a BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division challenge brought by Nestlé, Eagle Family Foods Group voluntarily discontinued its advertising claim that Borden brand evaporated and sweetened condensed milks are “America’s Most Trusted.”
National Advertising Division Recommends Beyond Air Discontinue or Modify Comparative Safety Claims for its iNO Products
New York, NY – December 9, 2024 – The National Advertising Division recommended that Beyond Air discontinue or modify the challenged comparative superiority safety claims for its iNO (inhaled nitric oxide) products.
National Advertising Division Recommends Teeth Whitening Claims for Oil Pulling Products be Discontinued; GuruNanda to Appeal
New York, NY – December 9, 2024 - The National Advertising Division recommended GuruNanda discontinue “natural teeth whitening” and “dazzle from first application” claims for its oil pulling and teeth whitening products. GuruNanda will appeal the "natural teeth whitening" claim decision.
NAD Finds Certain Claims for Mott’s Fruit Flavored Snacks Supported or Outside NAD’s Jurisdiction; Recommends General Mills Discontinue or Modify Other Claims
New York, NY – November 25, 2024 – The National Advertising Division recommended that General Mills discontinue or modify certain express and implied claims regarding the fruit and vegetable content of Mott’s Fruit Flavored Snacks and the nutritional benefits of those ingredients.
BBB National Programs provides summaries of all case decisions in the Case Decision Summary library. For the full text of National Advertising Division, National Advertising Review Board, and Children’s Advertising Review Unit decisions, subscribe to the Online Archive. For members of the press, the full text of any BBB National Programs decision is available by emailing the request to press@bbbnp.org.
Upcoming Events
Hot Topics in Advertising with Kelley Drye
NAD 2025
Policies & Procedures
Any company, consumer, or non-governmental organization, including trade associations and non-profit organizations, can file a challenge with NAD. We handle about 150 cases each year and our decisions represent the single largest body of advertising decisions in the United States. The NAD | NARB Policies and Procedures describe the details and parameters of NAD's challenge review process. When an advertiser declines to participate in the NAD process or decides not to comply with NAD’s decision, NAD will refer the matter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC will review the matter for possible enforcement action.
Contact Us