The Central Government announced lately that self-declaration certificates (SDCs) for advertisements will now be mandatory only for the food and health sectors. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s directive to streamline advertising and compliance.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has made it mandatory for advertisers and advertising agencies to upload SDCs for television and radio ads on the Broadcast Seva Portal. For print and digital advertisements, the certificates must be uploaded on the Press Council of India’s website.
Streamlined Compliance Process:
The Ministry stated, “In line with the Supreme Court’s directions and superseding previous advisories, advertisers for food and health products are required to upload an annual self-declaration certificate on the respective portals. Proof of this upload must be provided to media stakeholders, including TV channels, newspapers, and digital platforms.”
The self-declaration requirement, effective June 18, mandates that no advertisements will be permitted in print, on TV, or online without submitting the SDC to the Broadcast Seva Portal or the Press Council of India’s website.
Industry bodies such as the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), and the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) have requested further clarity and resolution from the ministry to ensure smooth implementation of these regulations.
Industry Reaction:
Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), remarked, “The Ministry has acknowledged the challenges associated with the new portal and the nature of digital advertising. The Supreme Court’s primary concern was with the food and health sectors, where honest advertising remains critical.”
She emphasized that increased regulatory scrutiny necessitates that advertisers and agencies across all sectors adhere to compliance measures.