Benefits
Expedited
Parties receive a decision within 20 business days from case openingSpecific
Challenges are limited to a single, well-defined issueStreamlined
Only one substantive submission is permitted per partyThe Process
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 SWIFT challenge. See the process infographic.
Eligible claims can include:
- Misleading express or implied claim that does not require review of complex evidence or substantiation such as clinical or technical testing or consumer perception evidence (such as claims about ingredients, superiority, pricing, etc.)
- Response limited to five pages and not more than five evidentiary exhibits.
- Advertisers can object that a case is inappropriate for SWIFT within four business days after the challenge is filed.
- NAD meetings are optional.
Fast Track SWIFT-Disclosure
- Address the prominence or sufficiency of disclosures, including disclosures issues in influencer marketing, native advertising, and incentivized reviews.
- Follows the same process except that the challenge letter is optional and the filing fee is a flat fee, $10,000 for National Partners and $12,500 for Non-National Partners.
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
Fees are based on annual revenue per the breakdown below. Filing fee waivers or partial waivers are available if economic hardship is demonstrated.
Fast-Track SWIFT Filing Fees (effective November 9, 2021)
National Partner:
- Annual Revenue Under $250M: $12,000
- Annual Revenue Under $5B: $32,000
- Annual Revenue Over $5B: $40,000
- Fast-Track SWIFT - Disclosure: $10,000
Non-National Partner:
- Annual Revenue Under $250M: $15,000
- Annual Revenue Under $5B: $40,000
- Annual Revenue Over $5B: $50,000
- Fast-Track SWIFT - Disclosure: $12,500
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
Following National Advertising Division Recommendation, Charter Agrees to Modify Spectrum Mobile Cost Savings Claim
New York, NY – February 21, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge, the National Advertising Division recommended that Charter Communications discontinue the claim that Verizon customers will “save over $1,500 in their first year” if they switch to Spectrum Mobile or modify the claim by adding or improving certain disclosures.
In NAD Fast-Track SWIFT Case, Performance Designed Products LLC Voluntarily Modifies or Discontinues Claims for Motion Supported Game Controllers
New York, NY – February 13, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division closed a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge initiated by ACCO Brands regarding advertising by Performance Designed Products for certain game controller claims.
In National Advertising Division Fast-Track SWIFT Case, Verizon Voluntarily Discontinues Certain 5G Home Internet Service Claims
New York, NY – January 29, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division has closed a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge initiated by Charter Communications, Inc. regarding express and implied advertising claims for Verizon Communications Inc.’s 5G Home Internet service.
National Advertising Division Recommends SharkNinja Discontinue or Modify Claim that Shark is “America’s #1 Floorcare Brand”
New York, NY – January 11, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by Bissell, the National Advertising Division recommended that SharkNinja discontinue the claim that it is “America’s #1 Floorcare Brand” or modify the claim to state, as part of the main claim, that it is the #1 brand in dollar sales.
Frequently Asked Questions