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Where Connections and Enjoyment Flourish!
Membership Introduction
The Tobacco Products Association (TPA) protects, promotes, and fosters growth within the premium tobacco industry, including cigars and pipes.
Membership with TPA is company-based, extending benefits to both owners and employees through their affiliated company. TPA offers membership to various categories, including Retailers, Associates (manufacturers), Industry Partners (Brokers, Distributors, and Suppliers) and the cigar and pipe enthusiast (consumers) all of whom play a vital role in the premium tobacco sector.
Below, you will find additional information and definitions for each membership category.
Join Today
Becoming a TPA member connects you and your business to every aspect of the industry. Membership provides unparalleled opportunities for networking, business support, advocacy, education, and year-round buying opportunities.
Special Founders' Membership Offer
A TPA membership is valid for a 12-month period. Dues are paid annually due on the anniversary of joining.
Membership Categories
Manufacturers
Those involved in the production of premium
tobacco products including Brand Owners.
Retailers
Businesses that sell premium cigar and pipe tobacco products directly to consumers.
Distributors
A business that warehouses or sells premium tobacco products or accessories from at least one (1) TPA Associate member to PCA Retailers.*
Suppliers
A company that supplies products or services to TPA Associate members, which help those manufacturers bring their product(s) to market. Examples include: tobacco growers; cigar box makers; cigar band or cellophane wrapper makers; pipe tobacco can makers;.
Media Outlets
A company that
outlets whose primary business is committed to serving the community of pipe and cigar enthusiasts. This includes media outlets including podcasts, news and magazines.
Brokers
A Sales Representative contracted to represent a TPA Associate Member company and who sells their products to TPA Retail members.
Consumers
Individuals who enjoy premium tobacco products and are not affiliated with any company in the retail, manufacturing, or industry partner sectors.
Note: Distributors who wish to exhibit at the PCA Annual Convention & International Trade Show must join as an Associate Member.
Board of Directors
Ismael Olivan
Ronnie Pecorini
Kenneth Doerrbecker
Dr. Oscar Rodriguez
Cathy Poturny
Board Advisor
Code of Ethics
The Tobacco Products Association (TPA) is dedicated to maintaining the utmost integrity, professionalism, and quality standards in the cigar and pipe industries.
Our code of ethics serves as a roadmap for our members, offering precise directives to ensure that their conduct reflects the values and benchmarks set forth by the TPA.
Through their adherence to this code, members actively contribute to shaping the overall reputation and success of both the association and the industry as a whole.
GENERAL ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Integrity and Honesty
Truthfulness: All members shall be truthful and transparent in all business dealings, communications, and representations related to cigars, pipes, and related products.
Fair Practices: All members shall engage in fair business practices and avoid any deceptive or misleading activities, including product labeling and marketing claims.
Respect and Inclusivity
Respect for All: All members shall treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and courtesy, regardless of their background, position, or affiliation within the cigar and pipe communities.
Inclusivity: All members shall promote inclusivity and diversity within the industry, fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued, including those of customers, employees, and partners.
Professionalism
Commitment to Excellence: All members shall strive for excellence in all aspects of their work, continuously seeking to improve their knowledge, skills, and practices in cigar and pipe manufacturing, retailing, and related services.
Ethical Conduct: All members shall conduct themselves ethically, avoiding any behavior that would discredit themselves, the TPA, or the cigar and pipe industries.
Responsibility to the Industry
Advocacy: All members shall advocate for the rights and interests of the cigar and pipe industries, supporting policies and initiatives that benefit the community, such as anti-counterfeiting measures and fair regulatory practices.
Compliance: All members shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, maintaining the highest levels of compliance and accountability in production, distribution, and sales.
Health and Safety
Product Safety: All members shall ensure that their products meet all safety standards and regulations, prioritizing the health and well-being of consumers. This includes adherence to quality control measures in the production of cigars and pipes.
Awareness: All members shall promote responsible consumption and educate consumers about the risks associated with tobacco use, providing accurate information on product packaging and marketing materials.
Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability: All members shall adopt sustainable practices that minimize the environmental impact of their operations and products, such as using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste in cigar and pipe production.
Conservation: All members shall support initiatives that protect and conserve natural resources, contributing to the long-term health of the planet, including sustainable sourcing of tobacco and wood.
Community Engagement
Support: All members shall support their local communities, contributing to social and economic development through various initiatives and partnerships, such as local charity events and sponsorships.
Collaboration: All members shall collaborate with other industry stakeholders to address common challenges and advance shared goals, including participation in industry forums and associations.
Confidentiality
Privacy: All members shall respect the confidentiality of sensitive information, protecting the privacy of their clients, partners, and colleagues, particularly in business transactions and proprietary product information.
Data Protection: All members shall implement appropriate measures to safeguard data and prevent unauthorized access or disclosure, ensuring the security of customer and business information.
Conflict of Interest
Transparency: All members shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest and take appropriate steps to avoid situations that could compromise their integrity or objectivity, particularly in business partnerships and sponsorship agreements.
Fair Decision-Making: All members shall make decisions based on merit and in the best interest of the TPA and the cigar and pipe industries, avoiding any actions that could lead to undue influence or bias.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES AND SUB-CODE OF ETHICS
Retailers
Retailers include shops, online stores, and vendors who sell cigars, pipes, and related products directly to consumers.
Code of Ethics for Retailers
Customer Service: Retailers shall provide excellent customer service, ensuring that consumers receive knowledgeable assistance and respectful treatment.
Product Knowledge: Retailers shall maintain a thorough understanding of the products they sell, including origins, materials, and usage.
Honesty in Marketing: Retailers shall advertise products truthfully and avoid misleading claims regarding the quality or characteristics of their offerings.
Compliance: Retailers shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including age verification and sales restrictions for tobacco products.
Support and Engagement: Retailers shall actively participate in local events and support initiatives that benefit their network and neighborhoods.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers are entities involved in the production of cigars, pipes, and related accessories.
Code of Ethics for Manufacturers
Quality Assurance: Manufacturers shall adhere to rigorous quality control standards to ensure the safety and consistency of their products.
Sustainable Practices: Manufacturers shall implement sustainable production methods, including responsible sourcing of materials and waste reduction.
Fair Labor Practices: Manufacturers shall ensure fair labor practices, providing safe working conditions and fair wages for their employees.
Innovation: Manufacturers shall continually seek to innovate and improve their products, contributing to the advancement of the industry.
Transparency: Manufacturers shall be transparent about their production processes and the materials used in their products.
Distributors
Distributors include entities that supply cigars, pipes, and related products to retailers and other businesses within the supply chain.
Code of Ethics for Distributors
Reliable Supply Chain: Distributors shall maintain a reliable and efficient supply chain, ensuring timely delivery and availability of products.
Integrity in Transactions: Distributors shall conduct all business transactions with integrity, ensuring fair pricing and honest communication.
Partnerships: Distributors shall foster strong, collaborative relationships with both manufacturers and retailers, supporting the success of their partners.
Compliance: Distributors shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the distribution of tobacco products.
Product Safety: Distributors shall ensure that the products they handle meet all safety standards and are stored and transported under appropriate conditions.
Service Providers
Service providers include businesses that serve or supply retailers, distributors, and manufacturers, such as suppliers of packaging, advertising agencies, and media outlets.
Code of Ethics for Service Providers
Client-Centered Approach: Service providers shall prioritize their clients' needs and goals, delivering high-quality services and solutions.
Ethical Marketing: Service providers shall engage in ethical marketing practices, ensuring that all promotional materials are honest and accurate.
Confidentiality: Service providers shall respect the confidentiality of their clients' information and protect proprietary data.
Innovation and Excellence: Service providers shall strive for innovation and excellence in their services, contributing to the success and growth of their clients.
Compliance: Service providers shall adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, ensuring that their services comply with industry standards.
Consumers
Consumers are the end-users of cigars, pipes, and related products.
Code of Ethics for Consumers
Informed Choices: Consumers shall seek to make informed choices about the products they purchase, understanding the origins, quality, and potential health impacts.
Responsible Use: Consumers shall use tobacco products responsibly, being mindful of their health and the well-being of those around them.
Respect for Others: Consumers shall respect the preferences and rights of others, particularly in shared spaces where tobacco use may impact non-users.
Support Ethical Retailers: Consumers are encouraged to support retailers and brands that adhere to ethical practices, such as fair labor, sustainability, and truthful marketing.
Involvement: Consumers shall engage in local activities and support initiatives that promote responsible and informed tobacco use.
CONCLUSION
By adhering to this code of ethics, TPA members demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct within the cigar and pipe industries. This commitment not only enhances the TPA's reputation but also contributes to the industry's overall well-being and sustainability.
Members are encouraged to regularly review and reflect upon these principles, ensuring that their actions align with the TPA's values and mission.
COMMUNITY • EDUCATION • KNOWLEDGE
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