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Display & Video 360 users must comply with this Google Ads policy. Visit the Display & Video 360 help centre for additional restrictions.
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Explosives
The following is not allowed:
Ads for products that are designed to explode and could cause damage to nearby people or property
Examples (non-exhaustive): Nail bomb, chemical bomb, any fireworks that explode, firecrackers, grenades
Ads for instructional content about the assembly, enhancement or acquisition of explosive items
Example (non-exhaustive): Bomb-making site, guides, software or equipment for 3D printing of parts of grenades
Guns, gun parts and related products
The following is allowed:
Ads for gun parts and associated items that increase the safety of a gun
Examples (non-exhaustive): Gun locks, trigger locks, safety pins, chamber block
The following is not allowed:
Ads for functional devices that appear to discharge a projectile at high velocity, whether for sport, self-defense or combat
Note: We err on the side of caution and apply this policy to sporting or recreational guns that can cause serious harm if misused, or that appear to be real guns.
Examples (non-exhaustive): Handguns, rifles, shotguns, hunting guns, functioning antique guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns and activity as a service, bb guns, 3D-printed guns
Ads for any part or component, whether finished or unfinished, that's essential to or enhances the functionality of a gun
Examples (non-exhaustive): Ammunition, ammunition clips, silencers, tripods and bipods for guns, stocks, conversion kits, gun-grips, scopes and sights, bump stocks
Ads for instructions on the assembly or enhancement of the functionality of firearms
Other weapons
The following is not allowed:
Ads for knives that are designed or promoted (in modern-day usage) as products that can be used to injure an opponent in sport, self-defense or combat
Ads for any knife design that provides a confrontational advantage (including disguised appearance or assisted-opening mechanism)
Examples (non-exhaustive): Switchblades, fighting knives, sword-canes, balisongs, military knives, push daggers, throwing axes
Ads for any other product that's designed to (in modern-day usage) injure an opponent in sport, self-defense or combat
Examples (non-exhaustive): Throwing stars, brass knuckles, tasers, pepper spray
Ads for instructional content about the assembly, enhancement or acquisition of any product covered under the Other weapons policy
Examples (non-exhaustive): Guides, software, or equipment for 3D printing of push daggers, brass knuckles, throwing stars
Recreational drugs
Ads for topical, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products with THC content of 0.3% or less
Examples (non-exhaustive): creams, sprays, roll-ons, lotions, bath bombs, candles
Certification
CBD advertisers must be certified by Google to serve ads. Advertisers are eligible to serve ads in California, Colorado and Puerto Rico only. Certain formats, including YouTube Masthead, may not be eligible for serving. See how to apply below.
Ads for substances that alter mental state for the purpose of recreation or otherwise induce 'highs'
Examples (non-exhaustive): Cocaine, crystal meth, heroin and other illegal opioids, marijuana, cocaine substitutes, mephedrone, 'legal highs'
Ads for products or services marketed as facilitating recreational drug use
Examples (non-exhaustive): Pipes, bongs, cannabis coffee shops
Ads for instructional content about producing, purchasing or using recreational drugs
Examples (non-exhaustive): Forums to exchange tips or recommendations on drug use
Apply for certification to promote CBD
- See the policy requirements and geographic limitations, and confirm that you meet those requirements.
- Apply for certification:
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If you are a retailer in one of the states where we permit CBD promotions, please apply for certification with LegitScript before filling in the CBD application form in the Google Ads Help Centre. To help prevent unnecessary delays, make sure that you provide all of the requested information.
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Sodium Nitrite
The following is not allowed:
Products with a concentration of more than 10% sodium nitrite
Learn how to fix a disapproved ad or asset.
Tobacco
The following is not allowed:
Ads for tobacco or any products containing tobacco
Examples (non-exhaustive): Cigarettes, cigars, snus, chewing tobacco, rolling tobacco, pipe tobacco
Ads for products that form a component part of a tobacco product, as well as products and services that directly facilitate or promote tobacco consumption
Examples (non-exhaustive): Rolling papers, pipes, tobacco filters, hookah lounges, cigar bars
Ads for products designed to simulate tobacco smoking
Examples (non-exhaustive): Herbal cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes
Consumer advisories
The following is not allowed:
Ads for products which carry an imminent, proven and unresolved risk of death or grievous bodily harm, that have been the subject of a consumer advisory or product recalls
Examples (non-exhaustive): Crib bumpers, inclined sleepers linked to infant deaths