Do you have a complaint about an advertisement or product packaging? Use our online form.
COMPANIES should submit complaints via email to: complaint@arb.org.za
What can I complain about?
If your complaint is NOT advertising content related, then perhaps another organisation might be able to assist you. See our industry related RESOURCE CONTACT DIRECTORY.
How much will a business competitor 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 | 5000 | 5800 | 7000 | 8050 |
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.
Protection of your personal information
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