FMC provides date for new rule amending service contracts, NSAs

The U.S. maritime regulator said its final rule amending requirements for service contracts and NVOCC service arrangements, announced earlier this month, will become effective May 5, 2017.    The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) said its final rule amending requirements for service contracts and NVOCC service arrangements (NSAs), announced earlier this month, will become effective May 5, 2017.
   The FMC said the rule will “ease regulatory burdens and make the agency’s rules more consistent with how the ocean shipping business is now practiced.” It was supported by both the World Shipping Council, a trade organization for major liner companies, and the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, many of whose members are NVOCCs.
   The FMC said parties that wish to take advantage of the updated filing requirements will be able to do so beginning May 5.
   The final rule in Docket No. 16-05 is now available on the Commission’s website and will be published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2017.