The Prizes and Betting Secretariat of the Ministry of Treasury (SPA-MF) released this Wednesday (5/2) a technical note to alert companies and citizens about the prohibition of using national symbols, dollar signs or images similar to banknotes and coins in promotional campaigns. According to the agency, the measure aims to curb practices that induce consumers to believe in prizes paid in cash – a practice prohibited by Decree No. 70,951/1972.
The action occurred after inspections identified irregularities in promotional materials, such as pamphlets and posts on social networks. SPA-MF highlighted that the use of visual elements associated with cash payments violates current legislation.
Furthermore, companies that fail to comply with the rules may receive fines, have promotions suspended or lose authorizations for future campaigns.
It is important to highlight that all commercial promotions in the country require prior approval from SPA-MF, regardless of size or location. According to the secretariat, these initiatives are regulated as “Free distribution of prizes for advertising purposes”, provided for in Law No. 5,768/1971.
Details of the technical standard of the Prizes and Betting Secretariat
SEI MF Technical Note nº 338/2025 reinforces prohibitions in force since 1972. According to article 11 of Decree nº 70,951/1972, promotional materials cannot use colors, formats or symbols that imitate banknotes or national currencies.
Furthermore, 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, in accordance with article 14 of Law No. 5,768/1971. Inspection covers both authorized and unauthorized promotions by the secretariat.
It is worth noting that the sanctions include formal warnings and administrative processes with the right to prior defense of companies. Since January this year, the SPA-MF General Inspection Coordination has been monitoring campaigns on social networks and physical materials under the responsibility of server Fernanda Vilela Oliveira.
In case of irregularities identified during periodic inspections, companies may have promotions suspended immediately.
To prove the authenticity of the technical note, the Ministry of Finance made the verification code 47975438 available in the SEI system. The measure aims to ensure transparency and alignment with consumer protection standards provided for in Brazilian legislation.
Access the SEI MF Technical Note nº 338/2025 in full:
