Who must comply with AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines?

Advertisers + advertising agencies + media organisations.

What triggers AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines?

Publishing advertisements in Australia.

What is the maximum penalty for AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines?

Self-regulatory but reputational + ACCC referral risk

What evidence is required for AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines?

Internal advertising approval; legal sign-off; Ad Standards engagement records.

Comply with AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines (2026)

Summary

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Code of Ethics and category-specific codes (Food and Beverages, Alcohol, Wagering, Children's etc.) are administered by Ad Standards. While self-regulatory, breaches attract publicity + recommendation to remove or modify ads. Repeat breaches escalate to ACCC scrutiny.

Enforced by

ACCC

Topics

marketingadvertisingstandards

Related obligations

CWLTHInfluencer + ad disclosure under ACL + AANA CodePaid content must be clearly disclosed as advertising — #ad #spon are not enough on their own.
CWLTHComply with Standards for RTOsRegistered training organisations must comply with the Standards for RTOs 2025 from 1 July 2025.
CWLTHComply with Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021TEQSA-registered higher education providers must meet 7 domains of the HESF.
CWLTHCosmetic surgery advertising standards (Medical Board reforms 2024-2025)Stricter cosmetic surgery + procedure advertising from 2024 — bans on idealised body imagery + before/after misuse.
CWLTHComply with the Spam Act 2003 (consent, identify, unsubscribe)All commercial electronic messages must have consent, identify the sender, and offer a working unsubscribe.
CWLTHWash outbound marketing lists against the Do Not Call RegisterLists must be washed within 30 days of the call/SMS unless valid consent.

Frequently asked questions

Who must comply with AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines?: Advertisers + advertising agencies + media organisations.
What triggers AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines?: Publishing advertisements in Australia.
When is AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines due?: Continuous.
What is the maximum penalty for AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines?: Self-regulatory but reputational + ACCC referral risk
What evidence is required for AANA Code of Ethics + community guidelines?: Internal advertising approval; legal sign-off; Ad Standards engagement records.