Shipping Watchdog Updates Rules to Rule More Efficiently Online
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Federal Maritime Commission is updating how it makes rules to make the process clearer, simpler, and more modern by moving everything online and following new government review steps. These changes affect anyone involved in U.S. ocean shipping rules, like exporters and importers, and aim to speed up rulemaking without adding extra costs. You’ve got until June 12, 2026, to share your thoughts on these improvements!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
More Ex Parte Access; Post-Comment Disclosure
The FMC proposes to allow ex parte communications in informal rulemakings before a notice of proposed rulemaking and would require communications (or summaries of oral communications) received after the close of the public comment period to be promptly placed in the docket and made public. The regulatory cross-reference language will also be updated to cite the APA definitions.
No Confidential Materials in Petitions
The Commission proposes to prohibit the filing of confidential information in a petition for rulemaking. Petitioners must not include confidential materials in the petition itself.
No More Petition Filing Fees
The Commission proposes to eliminate filing fees for rulemaking petitions. If finalized, you would not have to pay a fee to file a petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule with the FMC.
All Rulemaking Dockets Go Online
The FMC will post public rulemaking dockets and accept filings on Regulations.gov (the Federal rulemaking website) instead of requiring filing by email or in the agency reading room. You can view and comment on petitions and rulemaking dockets on Regulations.gov.
No Need to Serve Prior Participants
The proposed rule removes the old requirement that commenters serve copies of replies or successive comments on all prior participants in an informal rulemaking or petition proceeding. Instead, comments and replies will be posted in the public docket on Regulations.gov.
Petitions No Longer Need Verification
The FMC proposes to remove the requirement that petitions for rulemaking be verified under oath. Petitions must still include the text or substance of the proposed rule and may include supporting data, but verification is not required.
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