Govt issues direct selling guidelines-2017 to protect consumers

Hyderabad: In a move to curb cheating of consumers by the direct selling of entities like ‘Amway’, the State government has brought into force the ‘Telangana Direct Selling Guidelines-2017.’ As per the new guidelines, it ismandatory for every selling entity in the district intending to carry out the business in direct selling should be registered as a legal entity. Every direct selling entity should maintain a register of direct sellers and update the same from time to time.

The entity should also maintain proper updated website providing all relevant details of the entity, contact information, its management, products, product information, product quality certificate, price, complete income plan, terms of contract with direct seller and complaint redressal mechanism for direct sellers and consumers.

The website should have space for registering consumer complaints and should ensure that grievances are addressed within 45 days of making such complaints. Speaking to the media here on Friday, State Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies CV Anand said that under the new guidelines, no person or entity should promote ‘Pyramid Scheme’ and desist from money circulation in the garb of direct selling of business opportunities.