The International Federation of Stamp Dealers Associations ‘IFSDA’ was created by a group of philatelic businessmen to regulate the business and set high standards within the industry

The objectives of IFSDA are the following :

• - To promote and maintain a high standard of professional integrity among Philatelic dealers throughout the world.
• - To promote the exchange among the member organizations of information and literature likely to be of service to the philatelic trade.
• - To try in all ways to reduce the barriers in international Philatelic trade.
• - To promote the exchange of information regarding the marketing of stolen, forged, faked and repaired stamps.
• - To promote and help promoting stamp collecting throughout the world.

IFSDA cooperates with

• - with U.P.U., F.I.P., or other organization.
• - in the event of theft or other criminal acts against the philatelic trade.
• - in International Exhibitions and control the seriousness of the commercial stand holders.
• - in actions to prevent or reduce the sale of stamps which have not been issued under satisfactory circumstances.

National Stamp Dealers Associations are ordinary members. The individual dealers, member of the ordinary member associations are indirect members.

There are many benefits for individual dealers being a member of an association affiliated to IFSDA such as

1. - IFSDA Handbook every second year
2. - IFSDA Magazine twice a year
3. - IFSDA Membership card every second year
4. - An IFSDA Website where every dealer is represented with a link to their own website and e-mail and within a – few weeks the possibility to list specialities.
5. - An organisation taking care of the interests of IFSDA – stamp dealers in negotiations with U.P.U., FIP and other international organizations regarding matters, for example:

• - the fight against illegal stamps etc.- establishing the WNS (World Numbering System)
  - improving the VAT-system relating to stamps wthin EU
• - improving the conditions for the valdation of old stamps in connection with introduction of the Euro
• - negotiations with the aim to improve the conditions for IFSDA-stamp dealers at international exhibitions

Source: IFSDA Website http://www.ifsda.com/

published January 13th, 2010