WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Direct Selling Association (DSA) announces the release of its second annual Code of Ethics Administrator Report, an analysis of issues addressed by the DSA Code of Ethics Administrator in specific areas of enforcement between January and December 2016. 

“DSA is committed to upholding the highest ethical best practices for the direct selling channel,” said DSA President Joseph Mariano. “The DSA Code of Ethics holds member companies accountable to strict policies designed to protect independent salespeople and consumers. The transparency of the Code of Ethics Administrator Report is public evidence of our continued dedication to this end. I am greatly encouraged by its findings and proud of our members’ commitment to the substance and process of the Code.” 

The latest report notes that the Administrator addressed 217 consumer or salesperson issues in eight areas of Code enforcement, of which 98% were resolved by date of issuance of the report. The outstanding 2% concern matters that were responded to in a timely manner by DSA member companies but were not resolved when the report was compiled.

The Administrator receives broad authority from DSA’s Board of Directors to adjudicate suspected Code violations.

“The high resolution rate of Code-related issues speaks to the degree to which DSA members acknowledge the critical importance of the DSA Code of Ethics and the Association’s self-regulatory process,” said Jared Blum, the DSA Code of Ethics Administrator. “The increased number of issues (there were 114 last year) is owed to ongoing efforts to enhance the transparency of the Code, and to member companies increasing the visibility of the Code within their companies and salesforces.”

 A copy of the Administrator’s report can be found at dsa.org/consumerprotection/code-resources/code-report. Consumers may report suspected Code of Ethics violations to the DSA Code of Ethics Administrator at dsa.org/consumerprotection/filing-a-code-complaint/complaint-form.

The DSA Code of Ethics was established in 1970 and has been enhanced on multiple occasions to ensure its standards meet or exceed stakeholder expectations. Every DSA member agrees to follow the Code’s robust series of policies as condition of membership. Code prohibitions include statements or promises that mislead consumers or prospective salespeople in regard to earnings representations, product claims, sales and marketing tactics, and policies for order cancellations and returns.