Codescentre Blog

ICC Code launch gives boost to self-regulation around the world

Created on Tuesday, 24 April 2012 11:05

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) launched its 9th revision of the Consolidated ICC Code of Advertising and Marketing Communication Practice (ICC Code) in September 2011. In conjunction with the release of the latest code a new one-stop online resource for self-regulation was unveiled. CodesCentre.com explains the global code and provides national and sectoral resources for advertising agencies, educators, marketers and regulators.

Partnering with National Committees around the world to promote self-regulation leading up to the release and since the launch, the ICC has spoken about the Code to bolster self-regulation efforts in:

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Since January 2012, a German translation has been released and promoted in Germany and Switzerland. In addition, Algeria launched the French version of the Code this past April 2012. More translations and events are planned to follow.

By promoting the new Code, making it known and accessible in markets all around the world ICC and its partners are:

  1. raising awareness around self-regulation and highlighting the importance of ethical best practices to improve consumer trust in marketing; and
  2. giving markets a framework for extending self-regulation to new practices and/or a starting point for developing a system based on the universal standards used in most countries where self-regulation exists.

The ICC Code was first created in 1937, and has served as the foundation and building block for self-regulatory structures around the world. It continues to be used as the model for adapting existing systems and setting up new ones. The Code provides ethical guidelines and principles, and covers a wide range of marketing and advertising topics, including new issues such as digital interactive media and sustainability or environmental claims.

“Effective self-regulation is an essential underpinning for everything we do. It forms our bond of trust with consumers and legislators and is an essential element in creating effective communications. I welcome this initiative, which not only ensures that codes are relevant in a fast-changing marketing world, but more user-friendly too.” – Gustavo Martinez, President McMann Worldgroup Europe

With the new website available, CodesCentre.com, the industry can now easily access the Code (currently available in eight languages and more to come), tools and other resources to better help them align their business with consumer needs and policy expectations.

Click here to see the full 2011 Global Launch Review

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With freedom comes responsibility

“As representatives of French advertisers, we firmly believe that with freedom comes responsibility. We need to demonstrate that we are willing to adapt our ethical standards to meet changing expectations in a fast changing world. That’s why we especially appreciate the leading edge standards concerning digital communication provided by this new ICC Code.”

Loïc Armand
Président L’Oréal France,Président de l’Union des annonceurs		 Gérard Noël
Vice-Président Directeur Général de l’Union des annonceurs