Law & market
FTC advertising rules checker
US federal advertising rules centre on the FTC Act §5 ban on deceptive practices, the fake-review rule (16 CFR Part 465) and the Green Guides on environmental marketing, backed by FDA rules on health claims.
What it covers
ComplyAds checks your listing text against the US rules that most often trip sellers up, and cites the specific instrument behind each flag:
- Medical or health claim — claims that a product treats, cures or prevents a condition FTC Act s.5
- Fake or incentivised reviews — fake, bought or undisclosed incentivised reviews FTC 16 CFR Part 465 — fake/AI reviews rule (USD 53,088 / violation)
- Unsubstantiated efficacy claim — efficacy claims like "clinically proven" made without solid evidence FTC Act s.5 — substantiation doctrine (competent and reliable evidence)
- Unqualified environmental claim — vague environmental claims like "eco-friendly" or "carbon neutral" FTC Green Guides 16 CFR Part 260 (guidance under FTC Act s.5)
An example that gets flagged
Flagged · Medical or health claim
This balm cures eczema and clears up acne in days.
ComplyAds flags that as a health claim and points to the exact rule it relates to, not just the act — a prompt to look more closely before you publish.
How the check works
Paste a listing, ad or post; every risky phrase is highlighted in your text with the reason in plain English and the rule behind it. It runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Not legal advice. ComplyAds is an informational risk check that flags potentially problematic wording under US rules. It does not certify compliance or cover every rule, and it is no substitute for advice from a qualified professional in the markets you sell in.
Questions
What US rules does the FTC checker cover?
FTC Act §5 on deceptive practices, the fake-review rule (16 CFR Part 465) and the Green Guides on environmental claims, plus FDA rules on health claims. Each flag cites the relevant one.
Does the FTC fake-review rule apply to me?
16 CFR Part 465 bans fake, bought and undisclosed incentivised reviews for businesses marketing to US consumers. ComplyAds flags review wording that may breach it — and it is not legal advice.