You are here: Home  FTC Actions FTC Ad FAQ Rules 6 - 10

The Federal Trade Commission publishes a summary of advertising rules.  The rules discussed in this FTC FAQ  apply to web site ads.

Clothing and Textiles

Yes. The labeling and advertising of clothing and textiles are governed by special statutes and regulations. For example, mail order catalogs must disclose the fiber content of clothing and whether the fabric was imported or made in the United States. For more information, see the FTC's Rules under the Wool Products Act, the Fur Products Labeling Act, and the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. And see Business Guidance for information about the FTC's Registered Identification Number (RN) system for companies that manufacture, import, or sell textiles.

Comparative Advertising

Yes. Comparative advertising is legal as long as it is truthful. For more information, see the FTC's Comparative Advertising Policy Statement.

Contests and Sweepstakes

Are there any rules about ads for contests or sweepstakes?

Sweepstakes-type promotions that require a purchase by participants are illegal in the United States. Other agencies, including the United States Postal Service and the Federal Communications Commission, also enforce federal laws governing contests and prize promotions. And each state has laws that may require promoters to make disclosures, seek licensing, or post a bond. Since state laws vary, check with the Attorney General's Office in the states in which you plan to advertise. To get their phone numbers, see the Consumer's Resource Handbook. If a contest or promotion involves telephone calls, the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule requires specific disclosures, such as the odds of winning a prize, how to participate without buying anything, and that no purchase or payment is required to win. If pay-per-call services are involved, the FTC's 900 Number Rule requires certain disclosures. For more information, see Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule and Complying with the 900 Number Rule.

Credit

According to the Truth in Lending Act and other federal and state laws, ads for consumer credit must include certain disclosures about the terms and conditions of credit. These laws specifically require the disclosures to be "clear and conspicuous" so that reasonable consumers can read (or hear) and understand the information. For more information, see How to Advertise Consumer Credit: Complying with the Law.

Dietary Supplements

As with any other product, claims for dietary supplements must be truthful and advertisers must have substantiation for any objective product claims they make. The basic principles about the FTC's approach to health claims in advertising are reflected in the Enforcement Policy Statement on Food Advertising.

The above article was reprinted from the Federal Trade Commission's web site on April 16, 2001.  Check the FTC web site for changes to the article.

This page was last modified on July 22, 2007.

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