Complaints
Below the Line Advertising
The CHC has established a self-regulatory process for the complementary healthcare industry. Its focal point is its Code of Practice for the Marketing of Complementary Healthcare and Healthfood Products which seeks to self regulate the marketplace by encouraging compliance with relevant Commonwealth and State legislation. The major objective of the CHC's complaint handling mechanism is to resolve advertising problems identified in the marketplace in relation to CHP’s both therapeutic goods and others such as foods.
The CHC's self-regulatory mechanism is supported by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The Complaints Resolution Committee (CRC), established under the CHC's Code of Practice, considers complaints about alleged breaches of the CHC Code including about non-mainstream or non-specified media advertisements for CHPs that are therapeutic goods i.e in brochures, leaflets, flyers, website and internet, shelf talkers, newsletters, point of sale material, videos, audio tapes and catalogues, as well as any magazines or journals that are not mainstream media.
Where to Complain
Complaints should be directed to:
The Secretariat
Complaints Resolution Committee (CRC)
PO Box 104
DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600
Phone: 02 62604022
Fax : 02 62604122
Email: standards@chc.org.au
Complaint Submission Form
CRC Sanctions
Where breaches occur, the CRC may request withdrawal and destruction of the offending material, that future distribution is ceased, that material be amended at the next print run, that web sites be amended, and in some cases to have future advertising material pre-cleared..
In cases of repeat offenders, the CRC may refer the matter to the TGA or ACCC, as appropriate.
Appeals
Any party dissatisfied with a CRC decision may appeal. The appeal request must be placed in writing within 14 days of formal notification of the decision. The appeal is considered by the Board, under provisions set out in the CHC Code of Practice.
Specified Media
The Complaints Resolution Panel (CRP) is established under the Therapeutic Goods Regulations to handle complaints about advertisements for therapeutic goods appearing in specified media.
Complaints about therapeutic goods advertised in specified media should be directed to:
The Executive Officer
The Complaints Resolution Panel (CRP)
C/- Private Bag 938
NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Phone: 02 94602796
Fax: 02 94602798
Further information on how to lodge a complaint
Latest determinations from the complaints resolution panel