The SPA-MF or the Prizes and Betting Secretariat of the Ministry of Treasury released a technical note last February 5. This is to alert companies and citizens about the restriction. They cannot use national symbols, dollar signs, or images similar to banknotes and coins in promotional campaigns.
The agency says that the measure aims to curb practices that induce consumers to believe in prizes paid in cash. Decree No. 70,951/1972 forbids this practice.
The action happened after inspections identified irregularities in promotional materials, like pamphlets and posts on social networks. SPA-MF highlighted that the use of visual elements connected with cash payments violates current legislation.
Moreover, companies that fail to comply with the rules may face fines. They could also have promotions suspended or lose authorization for future campaigns.
Regardless of size or location, all commercial promotions in the country require prior approval from SPA-MF. The secretariat regulates these initiatives as the free distribution of prizes for advertising purposes, as outlined in Law No. 5,768/1967.
SEI MF Technical Note 338/2025 reinforces restrictions in force since 1972. Promotional materials cannot use colors, formats or symbols that imitate banknotes or national currencies as per article 11 of Decree 70,951/1972.
Aside from this, in accordance with article 14 of Law No. 5,768/1971, companies that violate the rules are subject to fines of up to 100% of the amount raised in the campaign and loss of future authorizations. The secretariat is inspecting both authorized and unauthorized promotions.
The sanctions include formal warnings and administrative processes. Companies have the right to prior defense. The SPA-MF General Inspection Coordination is monitoring campaigns on social networks and physical materials. This responsibility falls under server Fernanda Vilela Oliveira.
Companies may have promotions suspended right away in case of irregularities identified during periodic inspections.
