Foreign Shippers Face Annual Expense Reporting if Hitting US Port Thresholds
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The BE-29 survey asks U.S. agents of foreign ocean carriers to report their expenses in the U.S. if they handled 40+ port calls or spent $250,000+ in a year. This mandatory survey helps the government track trade in shipping services and understand its impact on the economy. Reports are due within 45 days after the calendar year ends, so get ready to share your numbers on time!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory reporting for ocean‑carrier agents
If you are a U.S. agent for foreign ocean carriers and you handled 40 or more foreign carrier port calls in the year or had covered expenses of $250,000 or more, you must respond to the BE-29 survey. BEA will contact the U.S. persons required to report; those not contacted have no reporting responsibilities.
Annual deadline and filing options
Reports for the BE-29 survey are due 45 days after the end of each calendar year. You can file using BEA's electronic system at www.bea.gov/efile, or submit paper forms by mail or fax; BEA will mail specific reporting instructions to those required to complete the survey.
Estimated paperwork burden per response
BEA estimates the public reporting burden for the BE-29 survey averages 3 hours per response. The collection has OMB control number 0608-0012 under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
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