An official website of the United States governmentHere’s how you knowHere’s how you know**Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
				**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**A **lock**(Locked padlock icon) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.Federal Maritime Commission



Affilite Info for Search FMC.gov
        Search FMC.gov
        SearchFederal Maritime Commission



Menu
				Close
							AboutComplaints and AssistanceLicensing and CertificationProceedingsDatabases and PublicationsNews and Advisories



Affilite Info for Search FMC.gov
        Search FMC.gov
        Search Home > News Articles > Industry Advisory — Requirements for Doing Business with NVOCCs and OFFs

Industry Advisory — Requirements for Doing Business with NVOCCs and OFFs


Posted on:


July 13, 2023 The Federal Maritime Commission reminds Common Carriers, including Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (VOCCs), they must meet their compliance obligations when doing business with Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) and Ocean Freight Forwarders (OFFs). Common Carriers must verify NVOCCs and OFFs are compliant with all applicable regulatory and statutory requirements related to licensing, registration, tariffs, and financial responsibility before accepting or transporting cargo for the account of an NVOCC and OFF. See 46 C.F.R. § 515.27; 46 U.S.C. §§ 40501, 40901-40904, 41104(a)(11). VOCCs must verify an NVOCC’s compliance with all applicable regulatory and statutory requirements related to licensing, registration, tariffs, and financial responsibility before signing a Service Contract with an NVOCC. See 46 C.F.R. § 530.6. NVOCCs are prohibited from knowingly and willfully entering into an NVOCC Service Arrangement with another NVOCC if the second NVOCC does not meet all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements related to licensing, registration, tariffs and financial responsibility. See 46 C.F.R. § 531.6(c). Failure to meet these obligations could result in fines or other penalties. The Commission maintains lists of NVOCCs and OFFs that are licensed (or registered in case of foreign-based unlicensed NVOCCs) and have maintained the necessary proof of financial responsibility. The Commission also maintains a list of the tariff location of each NVOCC for this purpose. This information is provided by the Commission to support compliance and protect the shipping public.
 Industry Advisory  News Articles
 Return to top
    
    
    
    **FMC Information**
    
    
    
    About the FMC
    
    
    
    Employment Opportunities
    
    
    
    Site Policies
    
    
    
    FOIA
    
    
    
    **Government Information**
    
    
    
    Inspector General
    
    
    
    U.S. Office of Special Counsel
    
    
    
    Open Government at the FMC
    
    
    
    USA.gov
    
    
    
    Federal Maritime Commission
    
    
    Our mission is to **ensure a competitive and reliable** **international ocean transportation supply system** that supports the U.S. economy and protects the public from unfair and deceptive practices.
    
    
    
    X
    
    YouTube
    
    LinkedIn800 North Capitol Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20573inquiries@fmc.gov