Chennai Becomes the Hub of Direct Selling Dialogue as FDSA Showcases Industry Growth and Women's Role
Tamil Nadu Lauded for Leading Role in 26,000 Cr Industry
Chennai, April 24, 2025 The Federation of Direct Selling Association (FDSA), in collaboration with Shoolini University, successfully organized a day-long Education and Awareness Program on April 24, 2025, at Hotel Radha Regent, Arumbakkam, Chennai. The event witnessed a vibrant gathering of over 300 Direct Sellers from across Tamil Nadu, representing various FDSA member companies.FDSA, India's largest self-regulatory body for the Direct Selling industry, established in 2011 and comprising 29 active member companies, led the initiative. Key dignitaries present included Shri A P Reddy, President FDSA, Shri Rajiv Gupta, Vice President FDSA, Adv. Dev Anand, Vice President FDSA, and academic experts including Dr. Prof. Thomas Joseph and Dr. Prof. Kamalkant Vasisht from Shoolini University.
The Chief Guest, Thiru Sakkarapani, Hon'ble Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion and commended FDSA for its consistent efforts in organizing such awareness drives. The event served as an educational platform to raise awareness on Direct Selling rules, ethical practices, regulatory frameworks, and the importance of compliance with The Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021. The 13-year long journey of FDSA was showcased through a video presentation highlighting its impact on shaping-up the legal and policy frameworks, since its inception.
"The Direct Selling industry in India has come a long way from the days of uncertainty and lack of regulation. When the Federation of Direct Selling Association (FDSA) was founded in 2011, aur mission was clear to bring legal sanctity & structure to an industry that had immense potential but was often misunderstood. Over more than a decade, through persistent advocacy and close collaboration with both state and central governments, we are proud to have played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021.
South India, and Tamil Nadu in particular, has always been at the forefront of this movement. In fact, every district in Tamil Nadu is home to at least one successful Direct Selling company. Today, the industry has expanded to an impressive (226,000 crore in annual sales, with FDSA member companies contributing approximately 31%. It is also noteworthy that 45% of direct sellers are women, many of whom focus on healthcare-related OTC products designed to meet specific wellness needs at the individual level.
With a comprehensive regulatory framework now in-place, the Direct Selling sector is well-positioned for accelerated growth, projected at around 20% year on year. As India progresses toward its vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2047, I am confident that our industry will play a vital role in contributing to that national aspiration.It was during the challenging year of 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, that Direct Selling truly proved its value-emerging as the first choice for many who had lost their jobs and were seeking an alternative, reliable source of income. This momentum was further reinforced by the introduction of the Direct Selling Rules in 2021, resulting in consistent year-on-year industry growth ranging from 12% to 20%.
In today's fast-paced and demanding world, health has become a central concern. Stress, lifestyle imbalances, and poor dietary habits are contributing to a surge in long-term health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, and high blood pressure. These issues often stem from irregular or inadequate nutrition. Recognizing this growing need, many Direct Selling companies are now focused on offering health and wellness products that help individuals maintain a balanced diet and lead healthier lives."saidShri. A P Reddy, President, Federation of Direct Selling Association (FDSA)
During the event, Shri Rajiv Gupta, Vice President FDSA, provided a comprehensive overview of the Direct Selling industry's journey in India, highlighting the transformation from a credibility-challenged sector to one now backed by legal recognition. He encouraged the youth to embrace Direct Selling as a legitimate livelihood opportunity. Adv. Dev Anand, also Vice President FDSA, emphasized the importance of understanding legal compliance, ethical practices, and business regulations, delivering a well-received presentation to equip sellers with actionable knowledge. He also thanked the Government of Tamil Nadu for its proactive steps, including the 2023 gazette notification establishing a state monitoring mechanism. Dr. Prof. Thomas Joseph, subject expert from Kerala's Direct Selling Monitoring Committee, shared insights into the supportive role of state governments and the significance of local-level oversight. Adding an academic perspective, Dr. Prof. Kamalkant Vasisht from Shoolini University spoke about the university's contributions to Direct Selling education, while also shedding light on the global trends and future potential of the industry in India.
