Non-Controlled Free Circulation - Consumer Magazines

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Non-Controlled Free Circulation [Print only]

Single copies distributed to individuals or organisations.

Principles

1. Single copy per issue, distributed to an individual or organisation

Requirements 

1. Single copy per issue, distributed to an individual or organisation 

1. You must be able to demonstrate the copy is distributed to the individual or organisation.

   1. Each copy should be addressed or accompanied by instructions which enable the distributor to deliver to the individual. 

2. You must retain a list of the recipients for one designated issue each reporting period (the Audit Issue – see General Principles and Record Keeping section). In addition you must be able to recreate a list of any issue in the reporting period on request. 

3. You cannot claim distribution of back issues (with the exception of repurposed unsold retail copies – see below).

   Repurposed unsold retail copies (from January 2023)
   Repurposed unsold retail copies are print copies supplied to wholesale/retail for retail sale, but which have been returned unsold and are subsequently sold or distributed in accordance with these standards. For the avoidance of doubt, these copies cannot be claimed more than once.

   You may claim back issues of repurposed unsold print retail copies as follows:

   1. For publications publishing fewer than 18 issues in a calendar year – issues up to 6 months old against the issue current at the time of sale/distribution.

   2. For publications publishing 18 or more issues in a calendar year – issues up to 3 months old against the issue current at the time of sale/distribution.

   3. The level of repurposed copies included in your claim must be reported – see the Reporting section below for details.

Guidance Available

Reporting

You will report non-controlled free circulation as follows, which will be broken out on the ABC Certificate:

1. By average geographical type: 

1. United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

2. Other Countries 

2. By total average circulation over the reporting period, combined with other free copy categories, analysed into:

a) Regular - net

b) Sample - net

Note:

i) Non-Controlled circulation is defined as regular if the quantity are broadly similar for the majority of issues in the Reporting Period.  If not regular the copies will be claimed as sample.

ii) Non-Controlled copies are deemed to be net for reporting purposes as they are distributed individually.

iii) There is no requirement to breakout Non-Controlled copies into by name or not by name types

3.  If you have claimed repurposed unsold retail copies, then you must combine the repurposed copies with any other repurposed copies in other categories and report the total as a percentage of the total average circulation for the reporting period. 

Guidance

G1. Single copy per issue, distributed to an individual or organisation

1. Distribution evidence: This will usually be from a third party company whose normal business is single copy distribution (such as Royal Mail).  Typically the evidence will include testing the payment of invoices and related advice notes sufficient to identify the publication, issue, quantities and date distributed.
   
   
2. Distribution evidence: If a copy is handed to an individual (say at an exhibition) distribution evidence may comprise the recording of the individual’s full name and address details, the date and their signature clearly acknowledging receipt of the publication (including the relevant issue information).
   
   Note:
   1. The signed acknowledgement must not be combined with a request or acknowledgement of another product or service.
      
      
   2. Copies given away with entry tickets or goody bags can only be claimed if the individual’s full details are recorded and they have explicitly signed acknowledging receipt of the issue of the publication.