Advertisement Board orders pre-approval of all broadcast adverts

KATHMANDU: The Advertisement Board has said all audio, visual and audiovisual advertising materials must be vetted and approved by the board before dissemination.

In a notice issued on Monday, the board said it has found that various media continue to broadcast advertisements without its screening and permission. It added that mandatory details, including the advertiser’s name, address and warning messages, are missing from some adverts and that exaggerated and misleading material is being circulated.

The board said it is empowered to test and approve advertising content under Section 15(b) of the Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2076 BS, Rule 5 of the Advertisement Regulation 2077 BS, and the Standards for Examination of Advertisements to be Broadcast 2078 BS (First Amendment, 2080 BS).

It has directed all concerned parties to have audio, visual and audiovisual advertising materials intended for broadcast in Nepal vetted and approved before dissemination, and instructed those already broadcasting adverts without prior testing to undergo the required testing process and complete other legal procedures immediately.

The board ordered that advertisements found to be in breach of existing law be withdrawn immediately and warned that action will be taken under prevailing legislation against those who disseminate adverts in violation of the legal provisions.