NAD Fast-Track SWIFT
SWIFT stands for Single Well-defined Issue Fast Track. A challenge is appropriate for Fast-Track SWIFT if it challenges a single well-defined issue that does not require review of complex evidence or argument and will be capable of resolution within the Fast-Track SWIFT timeline. Decisions are issued within 20 business days from the date payment is received and the advertiser receives the challenge.
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
National Advertising Division Recommends The Princeton Review Discontinue Point Increase Claims for MCAT Test Preparation Services
New York, NY – April 18, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge, the National Advertising Division recommended that The Princeton Review (TPR) discontinue claims that its students “Score a 515+ on the MCAT or add 15 points depending on your starting score. Guaranteed or your money back.”
National Advertising Division Recommends Modified Disclosures for ForceFlex MaxStrength Trash Bag “25% More Durable” Claims; Glad Products to Appeal
New York, NY – April 4, 2024 – The National Advertising Division recommended that The Glad Products Company modify its “25% more durable” claims for Glad ForceFlex MaxStrength bags to include clear and conspicuous disclosures indicating the object of comparison is Glad’s own 13-gallon ForceFlex...
National Advertising Division Recommends Planting Hope Discontinue Use of Registered Trademark Symbol in RIGHTRICE Advertising
New York, NY – April 2, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by Riviana Foods, Inc., BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that Planting Hope Brands, LLC discontinue use of the registered trademark symbol in its advertising for RIGHTRICE.
National Advertising Division Refers Claims for Spectrum Home Internet Service to Regulatory Authorities for Further Review
New York, NY – March 21, 2024 – The National Advertising Division has referred advertising claims made by Charter Communications for its Spectrum home internet service to the FTC and other regulatory authorities for review after Charter declined to participate in the industry self-regulation process.
Frequently Asked Questions