Absent Mitigation, NCBFAA Calls for FMC Sanctions on Chinese Vessels

Tom Mathers
Phone: 202-466-0222
 
For Immediate Release

Washington, DCIn a filing today, the National Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) called on the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to impose sanctions on Chinese vessel operators if their government refuses to mitigate the effect of its new maritime regulations. Although the rules took effect January 1, 2002, the ongoing controversy surrounding them has delayed their full implementation. 
      The NCBFAA's comments were part of a response to an FMC notice of inquiry regarding whether implementing rules recently promulgated by China to clarify these regulations help to mitigate their adverse effect. In the NCBFAA's view they do not and, in fact, " . . . the Implementing Rules establish a bureaucratic application process that is cumbersome, complex and largely unnecessary and fail to dispel any of the confusion caused by the array of regulations," according to the filing.
      Calling them the largest barriers to non-Chinese OTIs, the NCBFAA is requesting suspension of the licensing and financial surety requirements pending the establishment of a more workable, non-redundant system. To that end, the NCBFAA "urges the Commission to work with the Maritime Administration to the extent necessary to present a united voice, so that [the Chinese] government [is] made aware of the importance of this issue."
      "In summary, the NCBFAA believes that in the absence of an immediate and mitigating response by [the Chinese] agencies, the Commission should utilize its authority to level the playing field," said the NCBFAA in its filing, "so that Chinese owned companies will be treated no more favorably in the United States than are their non-PRC competitors and counterparts in China."
      Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NCBFAA (members.ncbfaa.org) represents more than 700 member companies - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and air cargo agents. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the strong, effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel, 30 Affiliated Association offices and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefingNCBFAA Quarterly Bulletin, and various meetings, seminars and conferences throughout the year.