The detailed IFPMA Code Complaint Procedure provisions are embodied in the revised IFPMA Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, Appendix 1: IFPMA Code Operating Procedure:

• IFPMA Code, Operating Procedure (English)
• Code de la FIIM, Procédure d’Utilisation (français)
• Código de la FIIM, Procedimientos Operativos (español)

To file a complaint in case of genuine alleged breach of the 2006 IFPMA Code, the complainant needs to send, in writing or by e-mail, to the IFPMA Secretariat:

• Complainant details
  The identity of the complainant, with a full mailing address (including fax number and e-mail, if possible) for correspondence. On the request of the complainant, the identity of the complainant can be kept confidential to all parties outside the IFPMA secretariat.
• Company
  For each case, the identity of the company which is alleged to be in breach of the IFPMA Code, and the name of any product or products which are specifically involved.
• Reference material
  For each case, a specific reference to the source of the advertisement/activity which is the subject of the complaint, of printed material or other evidence. Wherever possible a copy of the material in question should be provided.
• Date
  The date, where relevant, of the alleged breach of the IFPMA Code.
• Summary
  For each case, a brief description of the complaint with, if possible, a specific reference to the part of the IFPMA Code under which the complaint is being made (section and paragraph number(s)).

All correspondence should be addressed to:

IFPMA
15, chemin Louis Dunant
P.O. BOX 195
1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 (22) 338 32 00
Telefax: +41 (22) 338 32 99
IFPMA Web site: http://www.ifpma.org
E-mail: marketingcode@ifpma.org

The revamped IFPMA Code Complaint Procedure has been designed as a three steps procedure:

• Step 1 - Validation: To be valid a complaint ought to be genuine, submitted in good faith; contains sufficient information to be processed; within the scope of application of the IFPMA Code; not being investigated elsewhere.
• Step 2 - Adjudication: If the alleged breach is disputed, a panel of adjudicators.
• Step 3 - Appeal: If the adjudicators’ decision is appealed by either the complainant or the company, a second ruling may be requested.

The objective of the IFPMA Code is to set out standards for the ethical promotion of pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals.
In terms of scope, the IFPMA Code applies where there are no local codes or appropriate laws and regulations, or where a member company is not a member of local/regional association. In such cases, the IFPMA Code acts as a default code.