How do I complain?
CONSUMERS should use the form below.
COMPANIES should submit complaints via email to: Complaints
If you send us an email, please make sure you have read the information below very carefully.
What can I complain about?
The ARB accepts complaints about the content of advertising.
You should not complain to the ARB about:
* Service-related issues
* Something that a salesperson told you
* Things that you read and hear that are not advertising
What is "advertising"?
Anything that aims to promote the consumption or use of goods or services, or the support of a cause, that appears in any paid for form (usually, but not always) in the media, is advertising. This could include:
- Billboards
- Direct mail
- Magazines and newspapers
- Packaging
- Posters
- Radio
- Social media
- Television
- Websites
What must be included in my complaint?
The Code of Advertising Practice requires the following details:
- You must complain in writing
- You must disclose your identity. We will NOT keep your identity a secret, although we will not share your contact details.
- You must tell us:
- Your contact details
- Your identity or passport number.
- Exactly WHY you are complaining. Remember that this explanation is what we will base our investigation on. We can ONLY consider what you tell us.
If the advertisement was on TV or radio, tell us when and where you saw or heard it. If the ad was a poster or billboard or sign, tell us where you saw it and exactly what it said. If possible, send us a picture. If the ad was in print media, you need to send us an example or picture of the ad. If you have it, give us the contact name, email or telephone number of the advertiser.If it’s been a few days and you haven't heard from us – give us a shout.
Will I have to pay?
If you are a consumer, you can lodge the complaint for free. If you have any business interest in the complaint – which is most likely if you are a competitor of the advertiser – you will need to pay to lodge a complaint.
How much will I have to pay?
The ARB charges filing fees when a business lodges a complaint against another business.
Marketers who fund the ARB pay a lower filing fee than marketers who do not fund the ARB. To benefit from the lower fees, the marketer must have paid at least one cycle of funding before lodging the complaint.
| FILING CATEGORY | FEES FOR ARB CONTRIBUTORS | FEES FOR NON-CONTRIBUTORS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excl. VAT | Incl. VAT | Excl. VAT | Incl. VAT | |
| Filing fee | R10,000 | R11,500 | R25,000 | R28,750 |
| Advertising Appeals Committee (AAC) | R40,000 | R46,000 | R60,000 | R69,000 |
| Final Appeal Committee (FAC) | R70,000 | R80,500 | R90,000 | R103,500 |
| Application for suspension of ruling | R10,000 | R11,500 | R15,000 | R17,250 |
| New substantiation | R7,000 | R8,050 | R9,000 | R10,350 |
| Arbitration(Filing fee plus arbitrator fee) | R10,000 | R11,500 | R15,000 | R17,250 |
| Breach complaint to AAC | R5,000 | R5,800 | R7,000 | R8,050 |
| Breach complaint to FAC | R6,000 | R6,900 | R8,000 | R9,200 |
The successful party in an Advertising Appeals Committee (AAC) matter receives a R30,000 refund, and for a Final Appeal Committee (FAC) matter a R40 000 refund – regardless of whether they are a contributor or not.
Consumers are not required to pay a fee to lodge an appeal, and Respondents will not be required to pay to oppose consumer appeals.
What will happen if my complaint is successful and when can I expect a decision?
The ARB’s media members and affiliates will be asked to stop carrying the particular advertising. If the advertiser is a member, they will also be told to stop running the advertising. Often, an advertiser who is not a member will nonetheless comply with the request. We will NOT get you the advertised product at the advertised price; nor will we procure you a refund.
We try to resolve all complaints within 30 days, but sometimes things get complicated. You can always ask us for an update – please use the reference number that we use in our correspondence with you to assist us in answering you more quickly.
CONTACT US
We're working on a hybrid model and we're all in the office at different times.
Block 4, Albury Office Park
1 Magalieszicht Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg South Africa
+27 (0)11 593 3104