Initiatives And Resources

Building Ethical, Inclusive, and Future-Ready Direct Selling Communities Worldwide

The Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) is committed to advancing the direct selling industry through comprehensive educational, ethical, and regulatory engagement programs. These initiatives strengthen regional capacity, promote consumer trust, and empower local associations, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders worldwide.

Ethics, Consumer Education & Academic Collaboration Programs

GFDSA works in close partnership with regional and national Regional Direct Selling Associations (RDSAs) to implement educational programs that promote:

  • Ethical conduct and consumer awareness
  • Entrepreneurial training and economic empowerment
  • Academic alliances for research, certification, and curriculum development
  • Government and civil society engagement to promote transparent practices

These programs are tailored to each region, ensuring educational content reflects local needs while upholding global ethical standards set by the GFDSA World Code of Ethics.

Regional Legal & Regulatory Affairs Forums

These forums serve as a strategic platform for:

  • Reviewing and harmonizing industry regulations and legal frameworks
  • Encouraging cross-border regulatory cooperation
  • Promoting corporate governance, ethical business practices, and compliance
  • Facilitating transparent dialogue between government regulators, consumer advocates, academics, and industry leaders

GFDSA ensures these forums are regionally hosted and inclusive, giving voice to emerging markets and smaller economies.

Association Leadership Programs & Secretariat Development Seminars

To build stronger national associations, GFDSA conducts regional training and development seminars designed for:

  • Regional Direct Selling Associations (RDSAs) and volunteer leaders from member companies
  • Enhancing organizational governance, member services, and operational efficiency
  • Aligning national associations with GFDSA's best practices and performance benchmarks

These sessions aim to improve RDSAs' value to their members and communities, enabling them to function as professional, ethical, and influential organizations.

Socio-Economic Impact Studies

In collaboration with RDSAs and independent third-party research institutions, GFDSA sponsors socio-economic impact studies to:

  • Measure the contribution of direct selling to local economies.
  • Understand its role in women's empowerment, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability governance, income generation, and skill development.
  • Provide data-driven insights to policymakers and media about the industry's positive footprint.

These reports are credible tools to advocate for inclusive economic policy and industry legitimacy.

Global Philanthropy & Social Impact Report

GFDSA coordinates with RDSAs to compile and publish an annual Global Philanthropy Report, showcasing:

  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives
  • Community-building programs led by member companies
  • Contributions to health, education, poverty alleviation, and youth development

This initiative reinforces the image of direct-selling companies as responsible corporate citizens who give back meaningfully to society.

GFDSA Annual Global Report

The GFDSA Annual Report highlights:

  • Key milestones and programs from GFDSA and its member associations
  • Global and regional statistical data
  • Case studies of ethical leadership, innovation, and best practices
  • Progress updates on compliance, code enforcement, and advocacy efforts

This report is an authoritative reference for stakeholders, regulators, and media.

Global Direct Selling Forum

Organizing the GFDSA's Global Direct Selling Forum will be the flagship event for the direct selling industry, bringing together:

  • CEOs and executives from domestic and international direct-selling companies
  • Leaders of RDSAs
  • Government regulators, consumer protection bodies, media, and academics
  • Digital innovators and legal experts

The Global Direct Selling Forum is a platform to exchange insights, discuss emerging challenges, and explore how technology, regulation, sustainability, and ethical leadership are shaping the industry of the future.

At the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA), socio-economic impact studies are conducted in collaboration with national and regional DSAs and independent research partners to showcase how direct selling uplifts communities, empowers individuals, strengthens economies, and drives sustainable development. Beyond measuring sales, these studies highlight direct selling's role in creating millions of income-earning opportunities, empowering women and youth, fostering grassroots economic growth, enhancing consumer education, advancing environmental sustainability, and supporting community development through CSR initiatives. By providing credible, data-driven insights, GFDSA enables transparent dialogue with governments, media, and society while reinforcing ethical standards and advocating for the positive contributions of direct selling across all regions. Direct selling is not just a business model but a transformative socio-economic movement that builds a better future for individuals, communities, and nations.

The Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) presents the latest global industry statistics, reflecting the scale, diversity, and socio-economic impact of direct selling worldwide. Sales are reported at estimated retail levels, excluding VAT, using US Constant Dollars for comparability, with data sourced through rigorous, independently verified methods. GFDSA's reporting embraces global brands and domestic enterprises, ensuring regional accuracy and inclusivity.

The independent sales force includes full-time entrepreneurs, part-time sellers, and product advocates, all contributing to the industry's strength. These statistics advocate responsible regulation, highlight the industry's economic and social contributions, and educate stakeholders about ethical, product-driven direct selling models. As a champion of transparency, integrity, and innovation, GFDSA remains committed to leading the global direct selling movement toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

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GFDSA International Guide to Direct Selling Legislation

Supporting Ethical Global Expansion and Regulatory Collaboration

The Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) proudly presents the GFDSA International Guide to Direct Selling Legislation, a vital resource designed to assist direct selling companies and national associations in navigating the complex legal environments across different countries.

The Guide serves two primary purposes:

  • To support direct selling companies in planning and expanding their activities responsibly into new markets and
  • To assist national and regional Direct Selling Associations (DSAs and RDSAs) in lobbying and advocacy efforts with legislators while respecting and considering the legislative frameworks of other countries when proposing new or revised national regulations.

Structure and Accessibility

The content of the Guide is meticulously arranged by country and by regulatory topic, enabling users to:

  • Conduct quick country-by-country comparisons on key areas of law affecting direct selling
  • Analyze how different types of laws vary globally
  • Use keyword searches to locate specific legal topics across multiple jurisdictions efficiently

This comparative approach is designed to encourage harmonizing best practices while respecting the diversity of regulatory environments across regions.

Collaboration and Continuous Updates

GFDSA acknowledges the invaluable contributions of national and regional DSAs in preparing this Guide.

Member associations are strongly encouraged to notify the GFDSA Secretariat promptly of any:

  • New laws
  • updates
  • Changes in legislation affecting direct selling in their respective countries

This ensures the Guide remains current, credible, and globally relevant.

Disclaimer

The GFDSA International Guide to Direct Selling Legislation is intended as a general informational resource. It is:

  • Not exhaustive in covering every subject matter relevant to direct selling
  • Not a substitute for professional legal counsel
  • A first reference tool designed to raise awareness of the legal and regulatory landscape affecting the direct selling industry in various markets

Users are strongly advised to seek competent legal advice before initiating operations or making strategic decisions in any new country. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, laws and regulations are subject to change without notice, and GFDSA cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or outdated information.

Intellectual Property and Usage Rights

The GFDSA International Guide to Direct Selling Legislation is a copyright-protected and proprietary work under international copyright laws.

Key usage terms include:

  • The Guide is provided for internal use by the purchasing entity only.
  • Sharing relevant sections (e.g., sharing the Malaysian chapter with your affiliate) is permitted.
  • Sharing, copying, or distributing the entire Guide electronically or in print to unauthorized individuals or entities is strictly prohibited.
  • Only the GFDSA Secretariat can distribute or sell access to the complete Guide.
  • Unauthorized distribution constitutes a violation of the usage agreement and copyright law protections.

Each organization accessing the Guide agrees to uphold these terms as a condition of use, preserving the integrity and exclusivity of this global industry resource.

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1. General

1.1 SCOPE

The Code contains sections entitled “Conduct For the Protection of Consumers,” “Conduct Between Companies and Direct Sellers,” and “Conduct Between Companies.” These three sections address the varying interactions across the spectrum of direct sales. The Code is designed to assist in the satisfaction and protection of Consumers, promote fair competition within the framework of free enterprise and enhance the public image of Direct Selling.

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE CODE, CAPITALIzED TERMS HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEANING:

  • Code Administrator: The independent person or body appointed by DSA to monitor a Company’s compliance with the Code and to resolve complaints under the Code.
  • Company: A business entity that
    1. (i) utilizes a Direct Selling distribution system to market its Products, and
    2. (ii) is a member of DSA.
  • Consumer: Any person who purchases and consumes Products from a Direct Seller or a Company.
  • Direct Seller: A person or entity that is entitled to buy and/or sell the Products of a Company and that may be entitled to recruit other Direct Sellers. Direct Sellers predominantly market consumer products directly to Consumers away from a permanent, fixed retail location, usually through the explanation or demonstration of products and services. A Direct Seller may be an independent commercial agent, independent contractor, independent dealer or distributor, employed or self employed representative, or any other similar sales representative of a Company.
  • Order Form: A printed or written document confirming details of a Consumer order and providing a sales receipt to the Consumer. In the case of Internet purchases, a form containing all terms of the offer and purchase provided in a printable or downloadable format.
  • Product: Tangible and intangible consumer goods and services.
  • Recruiting: Any activity conducted for the purpose of assisting a person to become a Direct Seller

The toolkit contains flexible tools for DSAs and their members to communicate and promote the Code to company employees, distributors, consumers and the general public.

I believe these tools are useful to showcase our highest standards of ethics and integrity, to protect and serve consumers. Our industry is a dynamic, vibrant and rapidly expanding channel of distribution which has a commitment to enhance our reputation and bring more direct selling to more and more people. Therefore, I hope this “Ethics toolkit” will assist you in your efforts to raise the bar on ethics and to promote this critical initiative.

Sincerely,

GFDSA Chairman

Coming Soon

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