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Prohibited/Restricted Industries - SEA and NEA
Last updated, November 2023

Before getting started: The information in this handbook provides a helpful introductory understanding of TikTok's Advertising Guidelines, together with visual examples. It does not substitute TikTok's full Advertising Guidelines. Please go through our TikTok Advertising Guidelines for full details.


Prohibited Industries

Globally Prohibited Industries

You are advised to refer to the Industry Entry Guidelines for each industry's full, detailed information.

  1. ​Animals, Animal Parts or Products

  2. ​Adult Sexual Products, Services, and Entertainment

  3. ​Casinos & Gambling Games

  4. ​Cigarettes & Tobacco Products

  5. ​Counterfeiting & Piracy

  6. ​Drugs and Paraphernalia

  7. ​Police/ Military Gears & Equipment

  8. ​Political Ads

  9. ​Unsuitable Businesses, Products, or Services

  10. ​Unacceptable Business Practices

  11. ​Weaponry and Weapon Parts

  12. ​Covid-19 Ads


We prohibit ads that exploit the current pandemic. We also prohibit the sale of medical masks, hand sanitizers or other equivalent respirators, COVID-19 test kits, and COVID-19-related products*.

Medical & Non-medical mask

*COVID-19-related products: Subject to change depending on the COVID-19 situation. For SEA, please contact your respective Account manager for more detailed information about the Covid-19 ads policy.


Regionally Prohibited Industries - South East Asia, South Korea, and Taiwan

You are advised to refer to the Industry Entry Guidelines for detailed applicable regional policies for your industry.

  1. ​Cryptocurrencies and NFT

    • SEA and South Korea - Cryptocurrencies & NFT belong to a dynamic Industry which may change over time; please contact local Account Managers (AMs) to get the most updated information for this industry.

    • Taiwan - Prohibited

  2. ​Sexual Enhancement products or devices

  3. ​Random Boxes

Luxury random box

Restricted Industries

Restricted industries are allowed in some countries or regions upon fulfilling one or more of the following condition(s):

  • ​Restricted on Age Targeting (18+/25+)

  • ​Restricted Certificates

  • ​Restricted Information


If you are advertising for one of the mentioned products or services, refer to the Industry Entry Guidelines for detailed applicable regional policies.


List of Key Industry Requirements in South East Asia, South Korea, and Taiwan

This section provides a brief outline of the essential industry requirements in order of. Keep in mind that other regional guidelines apply, and contact your TikTok Sales Representatives for more details.


1. Alcoholic Beverages

  • Japan

    • 20 or older age targeting

  • South Korea

    • 25 or older age targeting

    • Provide disclaimers

  • Taiwan

    • 18 or older age targeting

    • Provide disclaimers

  • Vietnam

    • 18 or older age targeting

    • Alcohol must contain less than 15 alcoholic degrees


NOTE: Alcoholic Beverages is considered a Prohibited Industry for other SEA countries.


2. Animal Hospital Clinics

  • South Korea

    • Deliberation number is not needed

  • Taiwan and South East Asia

    • Contact your TikTok Sales Representative for details


3. Contraceptives

  • South East Asia, South Korea, and Taiwan

    • 18 or older age targeting


4. Dating Apps

  • South East Asia, South Korea, and Taiwan

    • 18 or older age targeting


5. Financial Products

  • South Korea, and Taiwan

    • 18 or older age targeting

    • Approved by local authorities

  • KR only - Deliberation number is not needed for debit card advertisements

  • For SEA:

    • 18+ age targeting, exclude some financial products/services

    • Approved by local authorities

  • Contact your local Account Managers (AMs) for detailed information


6. Food and Beverage

  • Indonesia and Malaysia

    • Adhere to local culture and traditions


7. Games

  • South East Asia, South Korea, and Taiwan

    • Torture games are allowed but cannot depict physical suffering and sexually suggestive content

    • Simulated gambling and games that do not involve money are allowed but prohibited in Vietnam


8. Healthcare and Pharmaceutical

  • South East Asia

    • Gynaecology and andrology-related products or services such as medications and trackers are subject to the following requirements (other gynecology and andrology products or services not mentioned are prohibited):

    • Pregnancy and ovulation test kits: 18 or older age targeting

    • Mentstrual and ovulation trackers or tracking apps: 18 or older age targeting

  • Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam

    • Oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptives pills, morning-after pills: 18 or older age targeting

  • Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

    • Oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptives pills, morning-after pills: Prohibited

  • South Korea and Taiwan

    • Certificates required; reviewed on a case-by-case basis


9. Infant Products

  • South East Asia and South Korea

    • Infant and young children products: Licenses required


10. Medical Devices

  • South East Asia

    • Certificates required; reviewed on a case-by-case basis

    • Gynaecology and andrology products or services such as supplements, medicines, and hospitals: Prohibited

  • South Korea and Taiwan

    • Certificates required; reviewed on a case-by-case basis


11. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

  • South East Asia

    • 18 or older age targeting

  • South Korea and Taiwan

    • 18 or older age targeting

    • Deliberation number must be included in the ad creative

    • Medicines targeted to adults only: Must be registered

Note: Contact your local Account Managers (AMs) if your product is categorized as OTC medicine for more detailed information.


12. Plastic Surgery

  • South East Asia

    • Prohibited

  • South Korea

    • 18 or older age targeting

    • Restricted information such as deliberation number from the government

    • NOTE: Depiction of surgery procedures are not allowed

  • Taiwan

    • 18 or older age targeting

    • Restricted certificates


13. Stocks or Trading

  • South East Asia and South Korea

    • 18 or older age targeting

    • License and/or certificate


14. Traditional and Internet Finance

  • South East Asia

    • 18 or older age targeting

    • License and/or certificate

  • South Korea and Taiwan

    • Contact your TikTok Sales Representative for details


15. Weight Loss Products

  • South East Asia

    • Weight loss products, spas, and hospitals such as fat burning products, metabolism improvement products: Prohibited

  • South Korea and Taiwan

    • License and/or certificate


16. P2P Loans

  • South East Asia and South Korea

    • Contact your TikTok Sales Representative for details

    • Note: P2P Loans belong to a dynamic industry that may change and vary in each market over time


17. Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) or Nonprofit Organisations (NPO)

  • South East Asia

    • Certificates

    • Contact your TikTok Sales Representative for the latest information required


18. Fertilizers and Pesticides

  • South East Asia

    • General business license


19. Recruitment Services

  • South East Asia

    • General business license and/or recruitment agency license


Final Note: Ad Review Checklist

You have probably spent much of your time planning, creating, and finalizing your ad. Getting familiar with the dos and don'ts of TikTok's ad policies can help you avoid some pitfalls that may cause ad disapproval.


Before you submit your ad, don't forget to check the following:

  1. Ad Review Checklist

  2. Common Reason Ads Fail


We want to create a safe place for your brand and people to connect. Together we create the TikTok experience that inspires creativity and brings joy!

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