What Is the DSSRC? Direct Selling Self-Regulation Explained
The DSSRC, or Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council, is an independent monitoring program created in 2019. It reviews product claims and income representations by direct selling companies and their salesforce, is funded by the Direct Selling Association and is administered by BBB National Programs.
Key facts
- Launched: 2019, announced by the DSA in January 2019
- Administered by: BBB National Programs; funded by DSA
- Scope: the entire U.S. direct selling marketplace, not only DSA members
- Focus: product claims and income representations, including lifestyle claims and social media
- Process: inquiry, company response, public decision, with an appeal option
What the DSSRC Is
The DSSRC was created by the DSA as a third-party self-regulatory program. According to BBB National Programs, it monitors the marketplace and enforces program standards to promote truth and transparency in direct selling. Unlike the DSA’s own Code of Ethics, which binds members, the DSSRC states that it monitors the entire U.S. direct selling industry, including websites and social media of companies and their independent salesforces. See also what the DSA Code of Ethics promises.
How the Process Works
The council runs monitoring inquiries on its own initiative and also handles challenges. Staff review claims, ask the company to respond, and issue a decision recommending that the company modify or discontinue claims or confirming they are supported. Companies can appeal, and final decisions are public. If a company does not cooperate, the program can refer the matter to the appropriate government agency, as described when it launched.
Earnings Claims Under DSSRC Guidance
DSSRC guidance says companies and salesforce members should not make earnings claims unless they have a reasonable basis and documentation that substantiates the claim at the time it is made. Lifestyle claims about cars, vacations and homes count as earnings representations. This lines up with the FTC’s approach in FTC business guidance on MLM. For a plain-English walk-through of what to look for, read how to read an income disclosure statement.
Recent Cases
Public DSSRC decisions show what gets reviewed. Case #241-2025, published in December 2025, involved APLGO US, a Florida-based health and wellness direct seller, and concerned incentive-trip claims. Case #253-2026, from April 2026, involved Thermomix USA and focused on 12 earnings claims posted by salesforce members on Facebook. An earlier example came in 2021, when the council recommended that Limbic Arc modify or discontinue certain product and earnings claims. Each decision reflects specific claims and the company’s response, so read the full text.
What It Means for You
For consumers and sellers, the DSSRC offers a place to check whether a claim has been reviewed and to file a challenge. It is not a government regulator and cannot fine a company. Use it alongside regulators and your own research. See how to research an MLM company and how to answer ‘is this a pyramid scheme?’.
Key Takeaways
- DSSRC launched in 2019 and is run by BBB National Programs.
- It monitors product and income claims across U.S. direct selling.
- Earnings claims need a reasonable basis and documentation.
- It is self-regulation, not a government agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DSSRC stand for?
Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council, a program created by the DSA in 2019 and administered by BBB National Programs.
Does the DSSRC regulate all direct sellers?
It states that it monitors the entire U.S. direct selling industry, but it is a self-regulatory program without government powers. It can refer matters to agencies.
Can I file a complaint with the DSSRC?
BBB National Programs describes a challenge process for claims by direct selling companies and their salesforce members. See its page for current instructions.
Are DSSRC decisions public?
Yes. Once final, case decisions are published on the BBB National Programs site.
Sources
- BBB National Programs: Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council
- DSA: Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council
- BBB National Programs: DSSRC established (2019 press release)
- BBB National Programs: Case #253-2026, Thermomix USA
- BBB National Programs: Case #241-2025, APLGO US
QastMe does not endorse any company. Information is for education only and is not financial or legal advice. Earnings in direct selling vary widely, and most participants earn little or no money. Review each company’s income disclosure statement before deciding.
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