NVOCC Service Arrangements

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) promulgated its final rule exempting non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) from tariff publication requirements of the Shipping Act of 1984, subject to certain filing and publication requirements. The rule, which comes into effect on January 19, 2005, allows NVOCC and their affiliates to utilize confidential NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs) for ocean transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States. Copies of the NSAs must be filed with the FMC. 69 Fed. Reg. 75850 (HK Law).