Ethical Treatment Policy: Agency–Model Relations

1Foundational Principles

• Agencies must uphold equal treatment and non-discrimination, regardless of ethnicity, body type, gender identity, age, religion, nationality, or background.
• Respect for model autonomy, dignity, and privacy is essential in all interactions.
• Communication with models must be honest, transparent, and free of coercion.
• IMF-certified agencies must operate under the principles of fairness, accountability, and professional conduct.

2Contract Clarity & Model Autonomy

• All contracts must be in writing, signed by both parties, and in a language the model understands.
• Models must not be coerced or pressured into signing contracts prematurely.
• Contracts must clearly define: duration, scope and territory, exclusivity terms, renewal and termination clauses.
• Models must receive a signed copy of the contract and have the right to seek independent legal advice.
• No gag orders or clauses that prevent reporting or advocacy are permitted.
• Contract duration should not exceed 3 years without model opt-out provisions.

3Client Contract Disclosure (Fashion Workers Act Alignment)

In jurisdictions where applicable (e.g. under New York's Fashion Workers Act), agencies must disclose the original contract or written agreement with the client to the model prior to job confirmation.

Even outside such jurisdictions, IMF-certified agencies must follow this principle of transparency by:

• Clearly showing the booking terms (usage, duration, rate, exclusivity, client name) in writing before job confirmation.
• Avoiding hidden clauses or differing terms between client and model contracts.

4Commissions, Fees & Financial Transparency

• Commission from models must not exceed 25%. 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.
• Third-party deductions (photographers, scouts, stylists, etc.) must be pre-approved by the model in writing.
• All deductions, commissions, and agency earnings must be clearly shown on job statements with itemized breakdowns.

5Upfront Costs & Development Fees

• No upfront fees may be charged for signing, placement, or representation.
• Optional development costs (e.g., test shoots, digitals) may only be recouped through a capped percentage not exceeding 20% of future bookings, and only with prior written model approval of the expense.
• Models may not be forced into paid development programs as a condition for agency representation.
• Repayment terms for advanced development costs must be job-dependent, not fixed.

6Payment & Income Protection

• Payments must be transferred to the model within 30 days of agency receiving payment from the client.
• No indefinite withholding of earnings.
• Models must receive job statements including: gross fee, all deductions, final net payment.
• All financial systems and processes must be explained in advance — no surprise onboarding.

7Housing & On-Stay Conditions

• Model apartments must be safe, clean, and not overcrowded.
• Housing must be gender- and age-appropriate unless otherwise agreed upon by all parties.
• Accommodation must be clearly priced with no unjustified markups on rent or food.
• If flights are advanced by the agency, repayment must follow capped percentage terms from future jobs — no pressure to repay if unbooked.

8Travel & Transportation

• Travel for confirmed jobs must be paid by the client.
• On-stay flights are typically paid by the model. If prepaid by the agency, costs may only be recovered as a capped percentage from future confirmed jobs.
• Models may not be pressured into travel where no confirmed job exists.

9Safeguarding & Protection from Exploitation

• Agencies must have safeguarding protocols and designate a safeguarding contact.
• Any misconduct must be reported to the IMF Complaint Mechanism.
• Retaliation, intimidation, or pressure against models for reporting incidents is strictly prohibited.
• Underage models must not be placed in adult environments or assigned night shifts.
• Blanket consent for nudity or sensitive jobs is not permitted — job-specific, revocable written consent is required.

10Privacy & Personal Data Protection

• All model data (e.g., passports, payment info) must be handled under GDPR and applicable data protection regulations.
• Secure systems must be in place to store and manage data.
• No sharing of personal information without consent.

11Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination

• Agencies must promote inclusive representation and avoid discriminatory casting or booking practices.
• Equal pay must be ensured across gender, race, and nationality.
• Migrant and vulnerable models must receive additional support where necessary.

12Termination Rights

• 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.