(ECNS) -- China's media watchdog has further tightened control on TV advertisements for medical and cosmetic products, limiting the broadcasting time of a single ad to no more than one minute.
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television said it introduced the policy following an investigation into illegal touting of drugs, healthcare products and medical services by non-professional agencies or lay persons under the guise of promoting popular science.
It added that TV health programs should be self-produced, rather than commissioned by business companies, while the broadcast of such programs must also be registered with authorities.
Drug, medical equipment, cosmetic, and beauty product ads should not exceed one minute or be broadcast in any other form, including via TV shopping commercials.
The administration also urged TV producers to invite qualified guests with relevant licenses and certification onto their programs.
