About Us

Industry self-regulation happens when businesses come together to set rules, guidelines, and best practices—without waiting for government mandates. The efforts are voluntary and are based on the premise that those within the industry are often most familiar with its challenges and can collaborate to find solutions to shared challenges. By creating shared standards, businesses aim to address problems that affect a whole sector or even cut across sectors. Participating companies agree to follow these rules, hold each other accountable, and, in some cases, work with outside experts to ensure compliance. 

Businesses have been setting their own standards for more than a century. We see the results of this every day—from UL safety labels on appliances, to “batteries not included” disclaimers in ads, to movie ratings, to professional certification programs. These are all examples of companies creating rules to guide how they operate and what consumers can expect. Nearly every industry—finance, tech, advertising, manufacturing, transportation, and beyond—takes part in this kind of voluntary standard setting.

Self-regulation can work alongside or in place of government rules. When done well, it helps protect consumers, encourages companies to keep improving their products and services, and can lower the overall cost of regulation. 

Often representatives from companies work collaboratively to determine a set of standards, best practices, or guardrails they will voluntarily agree to adhere to. The Center for Industry Self-Regulation’s incubation program can help catalyze the development of these standards. Industry associations also often perform this function for their members. Visit CISR’s Incubator to learn more about current incubation projects. 

Many industries have compelling self-regulation success stories. Below are examples of ongoing programs—administered by objective third-party organizations (like BBB National Programs) or industry associations—that are designed to protect consumers:

• Car Warranty Disputes — BBB AUTO LINE® 
  A trusted dispute resolution program helping consumers and manufacturers resolve vehicle warranty and lemon law disputes. 
   

• Movie and Video Game Ratings — Motion Picture Association (MPA) 
  An established system providing parents and guardians with age-appropriate movie and video game ratings. 
   

• Financial Services — Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) 
  A self-regulatory organization ensuring transparency and fairness in the securities industry through rigorous oversight and adjudication. 
   

• Safer Children’s Advertising — Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) 
  A program promoting responsible advertising to children, enhancing trust in media and marketing aimed at young audiences. 
   

• Teen Data Privacy — TeenAge Privacy Program (TAPP) 
  A forward-thinking initiative addressing data privacy and safety challenges for teenagers in the digital age. 
   

• Safer Chemicals – Responsible Care Program 
  An initiative by the chemical industry to promote responsible environmental, health, and safety practices. 
   

• Real Estate Ethics — National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 
  A code of ethics and professional standards system that ensures real estate agents act with integrity and fairness in their dealings. 
   

• Debt Collection — Receivables Management Association International (RMAI)  
  A consumer protection certification program that sets requirements that go beyond those required by law and certifies collection agencies, debt buying companies, collection law firms, vendors, and brokers.