Industry News
July 2010
DSE Update
Direct Selling Europe (DSE) has continued its path of growth, gaining in size and influence over the past months. DSE member associations and companies represent 50 per cent of the European direct selling sector in terms of turnover and provide income opportunities for more than 1.5 million sales agents. Being a European association of both associations and companies.
These very powerful assets, combined with transparency and proactive advocacy, have led to the particularly fruitful progress and recognition for DSE over the past six months.
One of the highlights underlining the success of DSE was the 2010 General Assembly which took place in Brussels on 4th May 2010. Keynote speakers Mr Andreas Schwab (Coordinator in the Internal Market Committee for the EPP Group and Member of the European Parliament) and Mr Sjoerd Feenstra (Deputy Head of Unit, Labour Law, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission) addressed members and engaged in highly fruitful debates.
Mr Schwab underlined that the proposed ‘Directive on Consumer Rights’ is aimed at the serious direct selling industry therefore DSE members are primarily concerned. The discussion with Mr Schwab focused mainly on the areas where DSE members support the European institutions in their endeavours to strengthen consumer protection. DSE members indicated to Mr Schwab that they were not asking for exemptions, but that the proposed new legislation is applied uniformly to all direct selling situations in all EU member states.
On a key point, the starting point of the withdrawal period in direct selling is critical. Members engaged in a lively discussion with Mr Schwab on the pro’s and cons of the various proposals on the table. DSE members underlined their strong preference for a start of the withdrawal period at the signing of the order form. Mr Schwab indicated that he is open to considering the issue and ‘seeing what could be done’ to ensure the high level of consumer protection and an environment in which direct selling companies can thrive at the same time.
During the presentation and discussion with Mr Feenstra the most recent progress made in the areas of employment, self-employment, flexicurity and bogus self-employment were presented and discussed. DSE members asked for clarifications on a number of subjects such as the status of direct selling Consultants in the various EU member states.
DSE members were joined in this discussion by delegates from the Cabinet of Commissioner Reding, the European Commission, BusinessEurope, FEDMA as well as a number of prominent European direct selling companies that are interested in joining DSE in the near future.
Based on these and other recent events, the voice for sustainable direct selling in Europe is heard and respected in Brussels. DSE and its members look forward to continuing the cooperation with the European institutions in building a stronger and constantly more cohesive Europe for all.
Mr Glenn Drake, Tupperware has been elected to his second term as Chairman of DSE.
DSE priorities for the months to come focus on advocacy on legislative developments in consumer protection, employment and consumer credit. We will reach outto MEPs and provide them with the information they need to make educated decisions that are aligned with
our interests.
Viral media campaigns and social media tools will also be developed further on the DSE Blog: http://www.directsellingeurope.net and on Facebook. Please visit our website http://www.directsellingeurope.eu for more information.
