SHAFT Content Violation Detected
Why This Rejection Happens
Your campaign content (messages or website) contains topics related to Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, or Tobacco (SHAFT). These are federally regulated or carrier-banned categories. Violations here are severe and can lead to permanent account suspension.
Common Triggers: Mentioning CBD (even hemp-based), gun sales, adult content, or hate speech in your messaging or on your landing page.
Root Cause Analysis
Primary Triggers
- Cannabis/CBD: Mentioning anything related to marijuana, hemp, or CBD oil. Even if legal in your state, it is federally prohibited on SMS networks.
- Firearms: Selling guns or ammunition directly via SMS.
- Tobacco/Vape: Marketing tobacco products or e-cigarettes.
- Adult Content: Promoting sexually explicit material or services.
- Hate Speech: Any content promoting violence, discrimination, or hate groups.
Required Elements
| Category | Status | Exception? |
|---|---|---|
| S (Sex) | Prohibited | None on 10DLC. |
| H (Hate) | Prohibited | None. Zero tolerance. |
| A (Alcohol) | Restricted | Allowed with rigorous Age Gate (Code 706). |
| F (Firearms) | Prohibited | No direct sales. Clubs/Safety might pass. |
| T (Tobacco) | Prohibited | Vape/Tobacco marketing is banned. |
| C (Cannabis) | Prohibited | Includes CBD/Hemp. Banned federally. |
Step-by-Step Remediation
Identify the Offending Content
Review your sample messages and website. Look for keywords: "CBD," "Kush," "Ammo," "Vape," etc. Even a picture of a leaf can trigger a rejection.
Determine Feasibility
If you sell CBD/Vape/Guns: You likely cannot use 10DLC SMS for marketing. You must find alternative channels (Email, Push Notifications). Do not try to "sneak" it through; carriers fine heavily ($10k+).
If Alcohol: You might be approved if you implement a compliant Age Gate (Code 3010A) and declare the attribute.
Cleanse Content (If False Positive)
If you are a bakery selling "Hemp Seeds" (food ingredient) and got flagged for cannabis, you must clarify this in the description. Remove ambiguous terms.
✓ Cleaned Message
"New organic seed bread available at the bakery!"
✗ Flagged Message
"New hemp seed bread! Get your daily dose."
Carrier-Specific Requirements
T-Mobile
- Imposes severe fines ($10,000 per violation) for SHAFT content evasion. Do not resubmit a rejected SHAFT campaign without significant changes.
AT&T
- Strictly blocks CBD. Even non-psychoactive topical creams are banned if the keywords appear in the message.
MyTCRPlus Tools That Can Help
Content Policy Scanner
Scan your text for prohibited keywords that trigger SHAFT filters.
Use This Tool →Industry Vertical Checker
Check if your business type (NAICS) is automatically flagged as prohibited.
Use This Tool →Pre-Resubmission Checklist
- I have removed all references to CBD, Cannabis, Hemp, Kratom.
- I have removed references to firearms sales or ammo.
- I have removed references to vaping or tobacco.
- I understand that re-submitting prohibited content may result in fines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ "But it's legal in my state"
Federal law and carrier policy supersede state law. Cannabis is federally illegal, and carriers operate nationally. No exceptions.
❌ "It's just hemp"
Carriers generally do not distinguish between THC and Hemp/CBD. If it's related to the cannabis plant, it is blocked.
Expected Timeline
This guidance provides general information about 10DLC compliance requirements. SHAFT content restrictions are strictly enforced by mobile carriers to comply with federal laws and protect network integrity. Attempting to bypass these filters can result in significant financial penalties. MyTCRPlus does not provide legal advisory services or regulatory representation.