Federation of European Direct Selling Associations (FEDSA)

Summary of the initiative

Name
Federation of European Direct Selling Associations (FEDSA)
Objective(s)
The Code concerns the relations between direct selling companies and direct sellers on the one hand and consumers on the other hand. The Code is aimed at achieving the satisfaction and protection of consumers, the promotion of fair competition in the framework of free enterprise and the enhancement of the public image of direct selling, which is to sell quality products on fair terms and conditions to consumers.

Description of the Initiative

    Sector

    Sector

    Contact Point - Commission
    SANCO B.4.

    Self/Co-Regulation Basic Act

    LEGISLATIVE ACT
    Year
    1997
    Title of Act
    Directive 97/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 1997 on the protection of consumers in respect of distance contracts, Official Journal L 144, 4.6.1997, p. 19-27
    PRIVATE ACT
    Year
    2004
    Title of Act
    Federation of European Direct Selling Association (FEDSA), European Direct Selling Code of Conduct towards consumers

    Geographical Coverage

    Participating Countries
    Bulgaria
    Other countries
    Russia, Ukraine (associate members together with Norway, Croatia and Turkey).

    Description

    Problems that lead to the introduction of Self/Co-Regulation and the adoption of the Founding Act
    Need of ethical standards in Business to Consumers (B2C) trade in direct selling.
    Target Group(s)
    Direct selling companies, direct sellers.
    Type of Instrument(s)
    Code of Conduct.
    Level(s) at which private rules should be defined and applied
    Type of Monitoring
    Conduct an initial survey of compliance capacity of future regulateesConduct regular visits and spot checksInitiate complaints proceduresMaintain database of those bounded by the normsProduce regular reportsReceive complaints and verify if norms were breached or notReflexive dialogue with the - stakeholdersOther
    European Commission
    National public authority
    International public authority
    Private regulator (code owner)
    Private independent party with a mandate (e.g. auditors)
    Self-appointed private parties (e.g. NGOs)
    Succinct description of the type of Monitoring
    Each DSA shall appoint an independent person or body as Code Administrator. The Code Administrator shall monitor companies' observance of the Code by appropriate actions. The Code Administrator shall settle any unresolved complaint of consumers based on breaches of the Code and shall furnish an annual report on the operation of the Code.
    Type of Enforcement
    Faming, shaming and blamingJudicial sanctionsMembership suspension/exclusionPrivate finesOther
    Private Regulator
    Private independent party with a mandate (e.g. auditors)
    Court system
    Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) / Online dispute resolution (ODR)
    Succinct description of the type of Enforcement
    -