Direct selling cos banned from promoting pyramid schemes - Economic Times
The government on Tuesday banned direct selling companies from promoting pyramid and money circulation schemes as it brought out new rules for the industry, in a move that would separate legitimate players like Amway, Tupperware and Oriflame from Ponzi scheme operators. Direct sellers must have at least one physical location as their registered office within the country and make a declaration that they are not involved in any pyramid scheme or money circulation scheme, as per the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021 notified by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. "These new rules would bring clarity in the marketplace and give impetus to the industry," Rajat Banerji, chairman of self-regulatory industry body Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA), told ET. The sector provides livelihood to more than seven million in the country of which over 50% are women, he said. Banerji said the IDSA has been working with the government for the...