Preamble

he primary purpose and aim of the International Meteorite Collectors Association (I.M.C.A. Inc.) is to endeavour to ensure the authenticity of meteoritic material provided by its members. If members wish to sell or trade meteoritic specimens, then those items must be 'actually and exactly what is claimed.' (Merriam-Webster-Dictionary) Our members agree to adhere to the highest standards of meteorite identification and proper labelling practices. The membership maintains this high standard by monitoring each other's activities for accuracy. It is every IMCA member's responsibility and pleasure to offer help and assistance to fellow members in order to ensure specimens are genuine. I.M.C.A. is all about honest business practices.

For the purposes of this Code of Ethics, “Meteoritic” is defined as a material deemed to be of extraterrestrial origin according to standards of the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society and verifiable by a Meteoritical Society approved facility or approved individual. Meteoritic related impact materials shall be determined as such according to established standards and/or expert approval. In the event of an attempt to sell material the Board deems as 'suspect', members may be required to stop the transaction and first provide further evidence to the Board (or other relevant IMCA Committee) from an approved testing institution or approved individual of the Board's choosing. Testing may also be required in the event of a disputed transaction.

Code of Ethics

Ø I agree that my membership in the International Meteorite Collectors Association (I.M.C.A. Inc.) shall be contingent upon I.M.C.A.'s acceptance of my membership application, receipt of payment of all applicable dues, and my agreement to abide by the I.M.C.A.'s Code of Ethics and Bylaws, which shall be a part of all original and renewal membership applications.

Ø As a Member, I will make every endeavour to ensure that I conduct my business affairs in a professional manner and avoid behaviour that could bring myself, the International Meteorite Collectors Association (I.M.C.A. Inc.) or its membership into disrepute. I shall conduct myself and my business affairs on sound, ethical principles, making every endeavour to conduct all sales, trades and other related transactions fairly and honestly.

Ø I agree to abide by all Federal, State and Local Laws and regulations related to the purchase, sale, trade or other related transactions concerned with the securing or disposing of all Meteoritical material.

Ø I agree to report violations of the Code of Ethics to the I.M.C.A. Inc. Board (or appropriate committee) for resolution under its rules.

Ø I agree that it is the sole responsibility of each member to accurately describe meteoritic material for sale, trade or other related transactions without providing any misleading or false information.

Ø I agree that if my customer expresses dissatisfaction with a transaction, it is good business to give the customer an exchange or refund. Any member accused of fraudulent practices or ignoring legitimate customer complaints will subject their membership to a review.

Ø I agree that unclassified 'meteorites' purchased on eBay or other avenues from unknown sellers might not be meteorites. I will not sell or trade any meteorites I may have found (or any questionable meteoritic material) unless I first obtain verification from a meteorite expert. Verified but unclassified material should be specified as such. Meteoritical Society guidelines will prevail in the circumstance of meteorite naming and pairing. As a member I may be required to provide further evidence to the Board (or other relevant I.M.C.A. Committee) from an approved testing institution or approved individual of the Board's choosing. Testing may also be required in the event of a disputed transaction.