In the United States there are no set laws or regulations regarding sales promotion. Certain obvious things, like obscene pictures as billboards, are not allowed, but when it comes to general promotions, it is free game. There are, however, regulations regarding sales promotion internationally. There are a set of articles that were ratified by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and must be upheld.
Articles 1 Through 8
In the first article, the ICC mandates that all sales are equally beneficial to both parties, not benefiting one more than the other. Also, they have to still be fair to other people in the same market. Promotion campaigns cannot be violent in nature or promote things that are contrary to the values held by the country. Article 2 states that no one country can exploit another country because of lack of knowledge or anything remotely similar. Their experience should not be a factor as well. Decisions to go into sales promotions must be made amicably with all the facts exposed and explained.
Articles 9 Through 13
These articles cover specific rules and state that specific instructions must be given to both parties regarding purchase and the promotions that will take place. Also, the word "free" can only be used when referring to things that are given away without any strings attached. If there are any obligations, they must be made apparent up front and the word "free" cannot be used.
Articles 13 Through 25
These articles detail that promoters should not have campaigns that discriminate against any people and that they should conduct business with the intermediaries in mind. Also, all materials needed must be delivered ahead of time so the promotion has ample time to be set up, especially if an intermediary is setting it up. They also state that promotions cannot be compared in an effort to outdo another promotion. So two promotions should not knowingly be similar.
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