---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 4013"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "4013"
heading: "Petitions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/4013"
units:
  - "Chapter 60 — Fish and Seafood Promotion"
---

# §4013. Petitions

- (a) **Filing of petition—** Any [person](/usc/16/4003.md?p=11) subject to assessment under [section 4012 of this title](/usc/16/4012.md) may file a written petition with the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16) alleging that—
  - (1) the assessment,
  - (2) the plan approved under [section 4011(a)(1) of this title](/usc/16/4011.md?p=a-1) on which the assessment is based, or
  - (3) any obligation imposed under the plan,

  is not in accordance with law and requesting the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16) to modify or [take](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) other appropriate action regarding the assessment or plan.

- (b) **Form of petition—** Any such petition shall be in writing and filed within the period prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16). A [person](/usc/16/4003.md?p=11) who files a petition under this section shall be given an opportunity for a hearing regarding the petition in accordance with regulations issued by the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16). After such a hearing, or if no hearing is requested, after consideration of all documentation and other evidence, the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16) shall make a ruling upon such petition.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 99–659, title II, § 214, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3728.)