After the tariff measures introduced by the Office of the United United States Trade Representative (USTR) charged to Chinese ships with the to counter Chinese competition in the market for shipbuilding, another U.S. government agency, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), today announced the launch of a non-judicial investigation always in the field of transport to check whether laws, regulations or practices of some foreign governments regarding the flag state of ships create unfavourable transport conditions for foreign trade of the USA.

Announcing the investigation, the Federal Maritime Commission recalled that, in addition to being authorised to conduct investigations is also authorised to take strict measures where necessary, including when laws or practices cause unfavourable conditions for maritime transport.

The investigation begins with a period of 90 days during the public comments that will have End next August 20. The FMC has announced that it is particularly interested in receiving comments from individuals and organisations with expertise or experience in the field of operations International trade, international law and security national. The FMC noted that with the comments they could be also suggested actions that the main shipping registries can to reduce compliance costs and burdens, as long as they do not lead to a weakening of standards.