Who We Are
The Portuguese Institute of Direct Selling (IPVD) was created in 2001 with the aim of representing the interests of the direct selling sector in general and its member companies. Its goals include recognition and appreciation of direct selling, as well as promoting actions that ensure the highest standards of corporate responsibility and business ethics.
It is a non-profit institution, and as such, its employees are members of the companies belonging to the institute, and its governing bodies are elected according to its bylaws. Currently, IPVD consists of the following companies: Amway, Herbalife, Mary Kay, LR Health & Beauty Systems, and Oriflame.
IPVD is also a member of the European Direct Selling Association (SELDIA), as well as the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA).
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Mission
IPVD’s mission is to protect, promote, and give visibility to Direct Selling, its member companies, and agents who market their products based on the highest principles of business ethics.
Vision
To position direct selling in Portugal as a recognized and respected business and entrepreneurial model by entrepreneurs and consumers.
Values
Integrity:
We act with ethics and transparency because only with trust can a strong and respected sector be built.
Innovation:
We embrace the future with creativity and courage.
Empowerment:
We believe in each person’s power to undertake, grow, and change their life with freedom and purpose.
Humanity:
We put people at the center-because direct selling is, above all, about authentic relationships and positive impact.
The main objectives of IPVD are:
- To represent the interests of the direct selling sector in general, and the member companies in particular, before national and European strategic entities, institutions and organizations.
- To ensure the practice of ethical and legal principles in the sector and protect the direct selling value chain.
- To improve and strengthen direct selling’s reputation among relevant stakeholders.
- To develop initiatives that contribute to the competitiveness of the sector and companies operating within it.
- To promote and publicize IPVD’s activity and its members, increasing their visibility through communication channels.
Governing Bodies and Team
Sandra Silva
President
Gertrudes Soares
Vice-President
Dmitri Kvasha
Secretary General
Members
We Are Members
Seldia
Seldia – The European Direct Selling Association, is the association that represents at the European level the interests of direct selling companies and associations, and of which the Portuguese Institute of Direct Selling is a member.
Seldia promotes an inclusive and sustainable European market that allows companies, direct sales agents, and consumers to interact with confidence, bringing benefits to all participants. Seldia works to create an environment where the Direct Selling sector can continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of today’s consumers and communities.
Seldia’s mission is to promote and represent the interests of its member associations and companies at European level, as well as to give a voice to direct selling agents.
Seldia collaborates with a wide network of European stakeholders, including European Union institutions, business organizations, and consumer advocacy groups, with the aim of promoting the benefits of Direct Selling, based on the values of freedom, trust, and personal relationships. It works actively to foster a clear understanding of how the sector works and to demonstrate the value it adds to the European economy.
The association is also committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and protection for companies, direct sellers, and consumers. Its European Code of Conduct guarantees extensive protection that goes beyond legal requirements, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all interactions.
WFDSA
WFDSA (World Federation of Direct Selling Associations), headquartered in Washington D.C., is an international organization representing the global direct selling industry. The Portuguese Institute of Direct Selling is proud to be a member of WFDSA.
WFDSA was founded in 1978 by 12 Direct Selling Associations (DSAs). The Federation was created to address diverse issues related to direct selling worldwide, allowing DSAs to share information, strategies, and common practices.
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The first WFDSA Global Code of Ethics was established in 1985 and adopted locally by DSAs. This Code of Ethics is the cornerstone of the direct selling industry’s commitment to ethical business practices and consumer protection. It is a dynamic document, regularly updated to respond to market demands.
The WFDSA’s mission is to promote understanding and support for direct selling globally.
How to Become a Member
Benefits for Member Companies:
Credibility and reputation by being part of IPVD, necessarily committing to the IPVD code of ethics and conduct, as well as SELDIA and WFDSA, ensuring high reputation, credibility, and trust operating in the Portuguese market..
Strategic networking by accessing the network of executives who define the sector in Portugal and attending exclusive events with other market-leading companies.
Access to advanced and privileged information about industry trends.
Increased visibility through ongoing actions promoting direct selling in the media, universities, and society at large.
Representation and defense of the Sector through greater influence on public policies and participation in strategic decisions for sector growth.