A simple approvals process

Our process is designed to efficiently review, record and track around 10,000 commercials each year, with minimal paperwork and delays.

All television commercials must be approved by CAB before New Zealand broadcasters will accept them for broadcast.

  • We offer free, same-day advice on scripts and creative concepts. While seeking advice is voluntary, involving us early can help avoid issues later in the process.

    Send your script or concept to advice@commercialapprovals.co.nz, or talk it through with us by phone or in person. We’ll flag any potential risks, note statements that may need substantiation, and provide guidance on the likely classification.

    Please note: advice is indicative only. Formal approval and classification can only be given once the finished commercial is submitted.

  • To approve a finished commercial, we need:

    • A reasonable viewing copy (not broadcast quality)

    • The key number as it will be instructed to broadcasters

    • Billing and material contact details

    The easiest way to apply is via our online application form, which prompts you to provide all required information.

    You can send your commercial by:

    • Email attachment or download link

    • Video hosting platforms (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Office 365)

    • File transfer services (e.g. WeTransfer)

    • Digital dispatch companies (e.g. Extreme Reach (Adstream) or Cape.io (Peach))

    Sending your viewing copy: If you’re emailing an attachment or a link, simply reply to your application confirmation email and include the file or link there.

  • Some categories require additional information or pre-approval:

    • Therapeutic products, health products and medical devices must be pre-approved by TAPS.

    • Alcohol advertising must be pre-approved by LAPPS.

    • Food and beverage advertising targeting children under 13 requires nutritional information.

    • Financial services advertising requires a director’s declaration confirming compliance with relevant legislation.

    We recommend supplying this information as early as possible. Need more details?

  • We aim to approve most commercials within three working hours. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email and the approval will be automatically notified to all New Zealand broadcasters.

    The formal record of approval is the CAB invoice, which includes the key number, classification and CAB approval number.

  • Every key number must be registered with and approved by CAB, even where the commercial content has not changed. If a broadcaster cannot match a key number to a CAB approval, the commercial will not be broadcast.

    Fees apply only to changes to the commercial’s content. We do not charge to processes rekeys or technical corrections, such as audio levels or colour grading.