Membership Policy

Membership Policy

DCAT Membership Policy

Approval Date: 28 July 2026
Effective Date: 01 August 2026
Last Review Date: 13 July 2026


Download DCAT Membership Policy

Policy Statement
DCAT membership is open to companies across the global bio/pharmaceutical business ecosystem, offering access to DCAT’s programs, events, and resources. Membership is subject to the terms of the DCAT Membership Policy, including the DCAT Member Code of Conduct.

This policy defines the rights, benefits, and eligibility requirements of membership in the Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association (DCAT). It ensures a consistent and transparent approach to membership structure, benefits, and participation while supporting DCAT’s mission to provide educational, networking, and business development opportunities across the global bio/pharmaceutical business ecosystem.

DCAT is a corporate-membership-based, not-for-profit business development association that delivers value through programs, events, and services. DCAT Members are companies engaged in the bio/pharmaceutical business ecosystem.

Membership is offered to corporate entities (“Registered Member Companies”) and includes two levels of benefits.

  • Registered Member Company Benefits\
  • Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits go down in the corporate relationship structure (i.e., Parent to Subsidiary); they never go up or vertically (i.e., Subsidiary to Parent or Subsidiary to Subsidiary).

Membership in DCAT is open to companies engaged in the development, manufacture, sale or purchase of pharmaceutical products, their components and other related services and technologies in the global bio/pharmaceutical business ecosystem. Specifically excluded companies include marketing, HR, legal and accounting firms. DCAT may reject any company for membership based upon the applicant’s compliance with the above-listed restrictions.

Ambiguous or contested applications will be reviewed by the Board Membership Task Force for a final decision on compliance with DCAT Membership eligibility criteria.

A. Structure

Membership Dues are based on company size (number of global Full-Time Equivalent [FTE] employees). Annually, the Board of Directors reviews the association’s financial health and determines whether the dues’ structure and amounts are appropriate.

Dues Levels:

  •  Fewer than 25 FTEs
  • 26 – 499 FTEs
  • More than 500 FTEs
  • Portfolio Company* – Same as More than 500 FTEs

*Portfolio Company Membership Pilot Initiative – Subject to termination at any time upon vote by the Board of Directors and 60 days’ notice to companies in this membership category.

B. Payment Terms

  • Annual dues are payable by October 31.
  • Dues paid between November 1 and December 31 are subject to a 10% late payment fee.
  • Dues paid after January 1 are subject to a 25% reinstatement fee.
  • Membership benefits may be suspended for non-payment.
  • Late renewals may result in penalties or loss of right of first refusal where applicable.

C. Delinquency

Outstanding balances beyond established timelines may result in:

  • Suspension of benefits.
  • Loss of eligibility for programs, sponsorship opportunities, and services.
  • Additional reinstatement requirements.

A. Active Status

  • Payment of annual dues.
  • Compliance with DCAT policies and Code of Ethics.

1. Good Standing

Maintaining “good standing” requires:

    • Payment of dues.
    • No delinquent invoices.
    • Compliance with DCAT policies.
    • Adherence to the Member Code of Ethics.

B. Inactive Status

  • Membership becomes inactive if dues are not paid by October 31 each year.
  • Delinquent invoices.
  • After two billing cycles (fiscal years) of inactivity (non-renewal), membership tenure resets.

DCAT offers two distinct benefit categories.

A. Company-Level Benefits

  • DCAT Member Directory listing.
  • Eligibility for Annual Dinner table(s).
  • Eligibility to reserve Business Meeting Space during DCAT Week.
  • Sponsorship and Advertising opportunities.
  • Post Job Listing on the DCAT Member Company Job Posting Site.

B. Employee-Level Benefits

  • Attend DCAT programs, services and events at member rates.
  • Access to customized industry insights and exclusive member-only content.
  • Access member-only educational and networking events.
  • Apply to DCAT Leadership positions for the DCAT Board of Directors.
  • Participate as a volunteer in DCAT Committees and Task Forces.
  • Receive communications and announcements about upcoming DCAT programs and events.
  • Access to the DCAT Member Portal and Mobile App.
  • Access to speaker presentations for events the individual is registered to attend, as approved for release by individual speaker.

Registered Member Company
The entity holding the DCAT membership is the Registered Member Company. This entity receives Company-Level benefits (organizational privileges). These benefits are non-transferable to affiliates, subsidiaries, or parent companies.

Parent Company is Registered Member Company
The Parent Company may elect to use either their logo and branding or the logo and branding for sponsorship of one (1) subsidiary rather than its own. If this option is selected, it will be enforced for the entire DCAT fiscal year. Employee-level benefits are available to full-time employees of the Parent Company and all its affiliated subsidiaries.

Subsidiary is Registered Member Company
The Subsidiary as the Registered Member Company is entitled to the Company-Level Benefits and Employee-Level Benefits. The Parent and employees of the Parent company are not entitled to any DCAT Membership Benefits. Employees of any wholly owned subsidiary of the Registered Member Company are eligible for Employee-Level Benefits.

Affiliates (Brother/Sister Organizations)
Affiliate companies are not eligible for company benefits; all affiliated companies must hold their own DCAT Membership. Employees of affiliated companies that hold their own DCAT Membership are entitled to employee-level benefits.

*Exceptions to the above-outlined Parent/Subsidiary/Affiliate relationship and benefits-level eligibility will be reviewed and evaluated on an individual basis by the Executive Director and the Director, Member Services. The Executive Director will have final decision-making authority.

A. Definition of Delegate
The designated DCAT Delegate is one (1) senior level decision maker on the business side of the Registered Member Company. This individual is the company’s official representative to DCAT for all matters related to governance, representation, compliance and accountability.

B. Responsibilities of the Delegate

Governance & Representation

    • Serving as the official voting representative of the Member Company.
    • Acting as the primary liaison between DCAT and the member organization.
    • Representing the company in governance matters, including ballots and affirmations.
    • Serving as the primary contact for all DCAT communications related to governance.

Compliance & Accountability

    • Ensuring the company complies with all DCAT policies.
    • Overseeing annual Code of Ethics certification and compliance.
    • Ensuring appropriate use of member benefits.

C. Delegate Email Communications
An individual designated as the Delegate for a DCAT Member Company may opt out of general marketing email communications. However, Delegates may not opt out of governance-related communications, including notices, ballots, affirmations, policy updates, and other communications required to fulfill their responsibilities as the Member Company’s official representative.

A. Board of Directors

  • Provide oversight of membership policy and structure.
  • Approve material changes to membership policies and dues.
  • Final decision authority on membership policy and structure.

B. Board Membership Task Force
Review membership applications that do not clearly depict membership eligibility. This task force comprises three voting members of the Board of Directors and the nonvoting Executive Director.

C. Executive Director and DCAT Team

  • Administer membership operations
  • Ensure compliance with this policy
  • Maintain accurate membership records
  • Support member engagement and services
  • Recommend changes to Annual Member Dues

D. Authority
Final decisions on membership policy and structure are made by the DCAT Board of Directors.

A. Policy Statement
All Member Companies, Delegates, and participating representatives must adhere to the DCAT Member Code of Conduct as a condition of membership.

B. Standards of Conduct
Member Company agrees to:

  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Conduct all business with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
  • Protect confidential information and not disclose or misuse proprietary information.
  • Use DCAT resources solely for legitimate association purposes.
  • Maintain a professional environment free from discrimination or harassment.
  • Disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.
  • Avoid actions that harm the Association or its members.

  • Each Member Company must submit an annual certification affirming compliance with the Code of Conduct.
  • The Delegate is responsible for ensuring completion.
  • Failure to certify may result in suspension of membership benefits.
  • Failure to comply may result in:
    • Suspension of benefits
    • Revocation of membership

A. Review Process
Alleged violations will be reviewed by DCAT leadership and, where appropriate, the DCAT Board of Directors.

B. Disciplinary Actions
DCAT may:

  • Issue warnings
  • Suspend membership benefits
  • Terminate membership

DCAT retains the right to interpret, modify, and enforce this policy in alignment with its bylaws and strategic objectives.

This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. All revisions require approval by the Board of Directors.

I hereby certify that:

  • I am an authorized Delegate of my organization.
  • My organization agrees to comply with the DCAT Membership Policy.
  • I have reviewed and accept the DCAT Member Code of Ethics.
  • I will ensure annual compliance and certification.

Name:
Company:
Signature:
Date:

This Membership Policy replaces the following:

  1. Membership Status Policy
  2. Membership Benefits Policy
  3. Membership Oversight Committee Policy
  4. Any prior membership-related policies or procedures