ASA draws up new fee structure

The ASA's Board of Directors has taken a decision to increase fees for competitor disputes and appeals. The increase, according to the ASA, is due to a rise in the annual cost of administering complaints as it is no longer in a financial position to absorb these additional costs.

“The ASA is a non-profit organisation and faces financial strain in so far as complaints costs are concerned. It is necessary to increase fees in order to, at least meet the necessary costs in administering the complaints,” says Thembelihle Msibi, ASA CEO.

To alleviate the financial pressure of the ASA, the following fee increases and adjustments have been put in place:

First level competitor complaints - R 9 405
Marketers and advertisers appealing a Directorate ruling to AIT or ASC - R22 800
Final Appeal Committee - R42 270
Arbitration - R37 620
There will be no refund for any appeal matter
The above costs are VAT inclusive. These adjustments and increases will be effective 1 March 2009. Consumers and associations representing public bodies are exempt from paying fees when lodging a complaint with the ASA.
“The ASA was established in 1968 by marketers, media owners and advertisers, and over the years has become an efficient and streamlined alternative dispute resolution system for both consumers and the industry, effectively and cost efficiently resolving advertising disputes. The alternative for complaints is to go to court, which is a lot more expensive,” explains Msibi.