The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has launched a non-adjudicatory investigation to examine whether the vessel flagging laws, regulations, or practices of certain foreign governments create unfavorable shipping conditions in the foreign trade of the United States.
The investigation opens with a 90-day public comment period, the Commission said in a statement on its website on May 21.
The FMC announced its probe last month, mentioning that is seeking examples of unfavorable flagging laws, regulations, and practices that endanger the efficiency and reliability of the ocean shipping supply chain.
The FMC is particularly interested in receiving comments from individuals and organizations with expertise or experience in vessel operations, international trade, international law, and national security.
This includes governments, international organizations, standards-setting organizations, shipowners, shipping companies, shippers, and organized labor groups.
Commenters may also identify actions that high-quality registries can take to lower costs and compliance burdens so long as they do not result in diluting standards.
The FMC has the authority to investigate and take enforcement action when foreign laws or practices cause unfavorable shipping conditions.
The deadline for submitting comments is August 20, 2025.
