# Charge Complaint Procedures

**Action Urgency Score:** 30/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Federal Maritime Commission |
| Type | Final rule |
| Action | Final rule. |
| Published | 2026-09-01 |
| Effective | 2026-09-01 |
| Significant | No |
| CFR parts | 46 CFR 502 |
| Summary | The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC or Commission) is issuing this rule to bring awareness that as an alternative to following the Commission's Interim Procedure for Charge Complaints, Charge Complaints may be filed with the Commission following traditional complaint processes involving either an Administrative Law Judge or Small Claims Officer. In accordance with the statute, when a person files a Charge Complaint as a traditional complaint, the Administrative Law Judge or Small Claims Officer must treat the complaint as such, including by requiring the common carrier to bear the burden of e |
| Document number | 2026-17876 |

## Why this score
- Final rule.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/01/2026-17876/charge-complaint-procedures). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T09:17:43.641Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.