
The BCIA is a 501(c)6 non-profit trade organization. Our organization is bound by antitrust laws in the United States (for example, Section 5 of the FTC Act), which strictly prohibits anti-competitive practice or adjudicating trade disputes. Similar competition laws exist in most of the countries where our members conduct business.
It is the policy of BCIA to comply strictly with the letter and spirit of all applicable federal, state, and international trade regulations and antitrust laws. Any activities of the BCIA or BCIA-related actions of its staff, officers, board members, committee members, volunteers or business members that violate these regulations and laws can be detrimental to the interests of BCIA and are contrary to BCIA policy. Participation in the BCIA trade association by function brings competitors together. Accordingly, it is necessary to avoid discussions of sensitive competitive topics and to avoid recommendations with respect to such subjects. Agreements to fix prices or fees, to allocate markets, to engage in product boycotts and to refuse to deal with third parties are automatically illegal under the antitrust laws.
Expectations
Membership means agreeing to the following definitions and adhering to the below listed expectations regarding industry conduct, behaviour and outreach.
Definitions
Baby Carriers
A fabric device meant to hold or attach a baby to the body of a caregiver in a position that mimics in arms carrying positions. Carriers encompass slings and wraps (simple pieces of cloth) as well as soft carriers (attached with buckles, ties or other fasteners) as well as frame style carriers.
Babywearing
The practice of securing a healthy full term infant or child to a caregiver with fabric or a fabric-based carrier.
Industry
The baby carrier industry encompasses the manufacturers, retailers, educators and supporting services who work to bring the practice of babywearing to market. While industry members may have overlap with the cultural practice of babywearing and/or the babywearing community, the “industry” is concerned with more than the practice of babywearing. The industry shall not overstep, dictate or seek to replace traditional cultural carrying practices.
Members
Individuals registered as business members in good standing with the BCIA.
Manufacturers
Those who produce baby carriers with the intention of selling. Encompasses factory-made, artisan, small batch, accessories, component parts and supplies manufacturers.
Retailers
Those who sell or distribute baby carriers and related accessories. Includes distributors, sales representatives, importers, online and brick & mortar retailers.
Educators
Someone who conveys information about the practice of using baby carriers, regardless of setting or medium.
Industry Organizations
Organizations which contribute to, or benefit from the practice of baby carrier use in their outreach mandates. Includes non-profits and community focused groups.
Affiliated Professionals
This category encompasses those who are connected to the baby carrier industry in an auxiliary capacity. Not limited but including researchers, academics, non-educator clinicians and health care providers. Also includes trade support to the industry: legal services, testing labs, marketing, graphic design, writing, editing, consulting services, insurance, financial services etc. who provide services to the baby carrier industry.
Code of Conduct
The core values and function of the BCIA is to:
- All industry members will conduct business in a manner consistent with the core values of the BCIA. Recognize that one’s actions reflect on the industry as a whole.
- Manufacturers, distributors and retailers show a good faith effort to:
- All industry members endeavor to:
- All industry members show a good faith effort to manage their business interactions with integrity and respectful deportment including but not limited to:
- Professional educators and those involved in outreach and/or product education endeavor to:
Questions, concerns, or issues with members operating outside these guidelines? Please contact Linnea Catalan, Executive Director at director@babycarrierindustryalliance.org to discuss.