Feds Freeze Fines After Losing Inflation Numbers
Published Date: 6/2/2026
Rule
Summary
The Federal Maritime Commission won’t raise civil penalty amounts in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means businesses and individuals under FMC rules will see the same penalty limits as in 2025. The rule kicks in on June 2, 2026, keeping things steady for now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FMC Penalties Stay at 2025 Levels
The Federal Maritime Commission will not increase civil monetary penalty maximums for the 2026 calendar year and will continue using the 2025 penalty levels because Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) data for October 2025 was not released. The rule is effective June 2, 2026, and the table in the rule shows specific maximums remain unchanged (for example, $2,626,135 for adverse impact on U.S. carriers under 46 U.S.C. 42304; $74,943 for a knowing and willful Shipping Act violation under 46 U.S.C. 41107(a); $14,988 for non-knowing violations under 46 U.S.C. 41107(a); $149,887 for operating in foreign commerce after tariff suspension under 46 U.S.C. 41108(b); and $11,823 for failure to provide required reports under 46 U.S.C. 42104).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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