The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) rejected a request from shipping companies to reduce the notification period before implementing surcharges and tariff increases due to the conflict between the country, Israel and Iran, according to Alphaliner, a maritime transport specialized platform.
The proposal was presented by companies Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM, which sought to have increases related to the conflict applied in less than 30 days, citing cost pressures resulting from the geopolitical scenario.
Although American regulations allow shipping companies to request exceptions, FMC President Laura DiBella assessed that current conditions do not meet the necessary criteria to justify a reduction in the notification period. According to her, when a shipping company requests special authorization to reduce the advance notice period from 30 days for a surcharge, it must demonstrate how the increase in its costs is linked to the surcharge in dollars.
She argued that a mere allegation of cost increase, without concrete data on its magnitude, duration or mitigation measures, is insufficient as justification. Laura DiBella said that transparency is fundamental to ensuring that surcharges respond only to unforeseen circumstances and help balance risks assumed by cargo owners and shipping companies.
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