# 2024-31017: Definition of Unreasonable Refusal To Deal or Negotiate With Respect to Vessel Space Accommodations Provided by an Ocean Common Carrier

2024-31017, Definition of Unreasonable Refusal To Deal or Negotiate With Respect to Vessel Space Accommodations Provided by an Ocean Common Carrier, is a Federal Register rule from an unnamed agency published 2025-01-02, effective 2025-02-03 (as of 2026-06-08).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2024-31017
- As of: 2026-06-08
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2024-31017
- Title: Definition of Unreasonable Refusal To Deal or Negotiate With Respect to Vessel Space Accommodations Provided by an Ocean Common Carrier
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: unknown
- Citation: unknown
- Published: 2025-01-02
- Effective: 2025-02-03
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-08

## Summary

Starting February 3, 2025, ocean shipping companies must file a yearly export policy with the Federal Maritime Commission to keep things fair when booking vessel space. This new rule affects ocean carriers and helps stop unreasonable refusals to negotiate space deals. The first policy is due by March 1, 2025, and every year after that, so carriers better get ready!

## Abstract

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC or Commission) received approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an information collection request associated with the final rule, "Definition of Unreasonable Refusal to Deal or Negotiate with Respect to Vessel Space Accommodations Provided by an Ocean Common Carrier." This rule announces the effective date for the requirements for ocean common carriers to annually file a documented export policy with the Commission and provides implementing instructions. In the final rule published July 23, 2024, the Commission stated it would publish a document in the Federal Register (FR) announcing the effective date of the collection-of-information-related sections upon OMB approval. This rule establishes the effective date of the relevant provisions. It also corrects an error in the regulatory text.

## Effects PRIA read

- Annual Export Policy Filing Required: cost, medium. Starting February 3, 2025, ocean common carriers must file a documented export policy with the Federal Maritime Commission. The first policy must be filed on or before March 1, 2025, and subsequent policies must be filed on or before March 1 of each calendar year. The Paperwork Reduction Act contro…
- English Language and U.S. Currency Rule: cost, low. Documents submitted for the export policy must be in English, and any monetary terms must be stated in U.S. currency. Carriers should prepare their filings accordingly.
- Must Attest If Topics Are Not Applicable: cost, low. If any topics listed under 541.2(j)(1)(i), 541.2(j)(1)(ii), or 541.2(j)(1)(iii) are not addressed because they do not apply, the documented export policy must clearly attest to that inapplicability and explain why. Carriers must include this attestation in their filings.
- Authorized Officer Signature Requirement: cost, low. Export policy submissions must be signed by a duly authorized officer of the regulated party and include a copy of evidence showing the officer's authority. Carriers must ensure their filings include this signature and evidence.

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## Sources
- [2024-31017 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/02/2024-31017/definition-of-unreasonable-refusal-to-deal-or-negotiate-with-respect-to-vessel-space-accommodations)
- [2024-31017 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-02/pdf/2024-31017.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2024-30871, Amending and Clarifying Foreign Agents Registration Act Regulations](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2024-30871)
- [Next: 2024-31204, Civil Monetary Penalty Adjustments for Inflation](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2024-31204)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2024-31017 (as of 2026-06-08).