Agency Code of Conduct - Model ID

Preamble

As a condition of IMF certification, all modeling agencies agree to uphold the following standards of professional conduct. These principles are designed to protect the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of models, ensure transparency in agency operations, and foster a safe and ethical working environment across the modeling industry. This Code incorporates IMF's ethical treatment standards for agency–model relations, including contract requirements, financial transparency, and termination rights.

1Professional Standards & Integrity

Operate with integrity, honesty, and fairness. Agencies must not engage in deceptive practices, misrepresent job terms, or withhold material information from models.
Represent models truthfully in all materials (comp cards, websites, social media). Digitally altered images used for promotional purposes must be disclosed as such.
Disclose in writing any financial relationship between the agency and a client, brand, or third party that could affect a model's compensation, booking terms, or image usage.

2Contract Standards & Model Autonomy

All contracts must be in writing, signed by both parties, and in a language the model understands. Models must receive a signed copy and have the right to seek independent legal advice before signing.
Contracts must clearly define: duration, scope and territory, exclusivity terms, renewal and termination clauses. Contract duration should not exceed 3 years without model opt-out provisions.
Models must not be coerced or pressured into signing contracts prematurely. No gag orders or clauses that prevent reporting or advocacy are permitted.
Booking terms (usage, duration, rate, exclusivity, client name) must be disclosed to the model in writing before job confirmation. Agencies must not maintain hidden clauses or differing terms between client and model contracts.
Models may exit their contract with reasonable notice without fear of retaliation or blacklisting. Termination clauses must be clear, time-bound, and mutually fair.
Agencies must notify former models of any royalties or residual payments owed after representation ends.

3Model Wellbeing & Ethical Treatment

Ensure models receive meal breaks at least every 4 hours during assignments, and that total working hours (including travel and fittings) do not exceed 12 hours in a single day without written model consent. Working conditions must not endanger a model's physical or psychological health.
Provide models and/or their guardians with written contract terms — including rate, usage rights, duration, and expenses — before the start of any assignment. Verbal agreements alone are insufficient.
Obtain separate, written consent before any assignment involving nudity, lingerie, or sexually suggestive content. This consent must be job-specific, revocable, and independent from the representation agreement. Blanket consent for sensitive work is not permitted.
Never coerce or pressure a model to accept a job, pose in ways they are uncomfortable with, or sign agreements under duress.
Ensure models have access to private changing facilities on every assignment (including on-location shoots), drinking water, bathroom facilities, and protection from extreme weather conditions during outdoor work.
Agencies must never develop, authorize, or distribute digital twins of models without their separate, informed, written consent. The model retains ownership of their digital likeness. All AI-generated representations must be clearly disclosed as such in any context where they are used.
Agencies must not use AI-generated imagery to replace, replicate, or undercut real models without full disclosure to all parties involved (clients, models, and the public).

4Safeguarding & Protection of Vulnerable Groups

Comply fully with the IMF Safeguarding & Protection Framework and report any concerns, complaints, or breaches. Agencies must designate a safeguarding contact.
Ensure all staff working with minors have completed safeguarding training, and that the agency holds an approved minor representation policy as part of its IMF certification.
Provide documented support plans for underage models and those from vulnerable backgrounds (e.g., migrants, first-time travelers), including named emergency contacts, local-language resources, and travel assistance.
Chaperones provided by the agency must be vetted and independent from shoot production staff.

5Fair Compensation & Financial Transparency

Pay models the full amount owed within 30 days of receiving client payment. No indefinite withholding of earnings. Provide itemized payment statements showing the gross amount received from the client, commission deducted, any approved expenses, and the net amount paid to the model.
Commission from models must not exceed 25%, and combined commission from both parties must not exceed 40%.
Double dipping (charging both client and model full commission) is not permitted without full disclosure and time-limited transition arrangements.
Mother agency fees must be time-limited (max 2 years) and only collected when the mother agency is providing documented services such as casting submissions, portfolio development, or market introductions within the preceding 12 months.
No upfront fees may be charged for signing, placement, or representation. Models may not be forced into paid development programs as a condition for agency representation.
Optional development costs (e.g., test shoots, digitals) may only be recouped through a capped percentage not exceeding 20% of future bookings, with prior written model approval. Repayment terms must be job-dependent, not fixed.
All expenses and deductions must be disclosed and agreed in writing before being incurred. Third-party deductions (photographers, scouts, stylists, etc.) must be pre-approved by the model.
All financial systems and processes must be explained to models in advance — no surprise onboarding or undisclosed cost structures.

6Responsible Housing & Travel

Provide models with gender-appropriate accommodations that include private sleeping arrangements, a lockable door, functioning bathroom facilities, and a safe environment. Apartments must be clean and not overcrowded.
Accommodation costs, terms, and expected charges must be disclosed before the stay begins. No unjustified markups on rent or food.
Never mix minors with unrelated adults unless guardian-approved and compliant with IMF policy.
Provide models on stay with the agency's 24-hour emergency contact, local emergency services information, and the address and terms of their accommodation in writing before travel.
Travel for confirmed jobs must be paid by the client. Models may not be pressured into travel where no confirmed job exists.
If flights are advanced by the agency, repayment must follow capped percentage terms from future confirmed jobs — no pressure to repay if unbooked.

7Relationship with Creatives, Clients, and Brands

Agencies are responsible for communicating IMF safeguarding standards to clients and third parties involved in bookings, and must not knowingly place models in unsafe working environments.
Communicate model usage rights to clients in writing before the assignment. If image use exceeds the agreed scope, the agency must intervene on the model's behalf.
Provide a documented process for models to report misconduct or abuse. Agencies must act on reports within 48 hours, including removing the model from unsafe situations immediately when necessary.

8Use of Model ID & Digital Tools

Respect the digital rights and data privacy of all models, including their Model ID certification status and verified identity information.
Maintain complete records of all contracts, payments, deductions, and expenses for each model, and make these records available to the model upon request within 14 days.
Ensure all digital representations are authorized and properly attributed.

9Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Opportunity

Not discriminate against models on the basis of race, gender, body type, age, religion, nationality, disability, or identity in representation decisions, casting submissions, or rate negotiations.
Ensure equal pay for equal work, including equitable treatment of all models regardless of background.
Migrant and vulnerable models must receive additional support where necessary, including access to local-language resources and travel assistance.

10Confidentiality & Data Protection

Maintain the confidentiality of all model data (e.g., passports, payment info), contracts, and communications unless legally required to disclose.
Obtain informed consent for the storage, transfer, or publication of personal and professional information.
Comply with GDPR and applicable data protection regulations. Secure systems must be in place to store and manage data.

11Accountability & Recertification

Cooperate with IMF during audits, reviews, or investigations.
Notify IMF of significant changes in leadership, operations, or legal standing.
Re-sign this Code of Conduct annually as a condition of continued certification.

This Code of Conduct is a binding condition of IMF agency certification. Non-compliance may result in review, suspension, or permanent revocation of certified status.

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