---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 40302"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "40302"
heading: "Filing requirements"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/40302"
units:
  - "Subtitle IV — Regulation of Ocean Shipping"
  - "Part A — Ocean Shipping"
  - "Chapter 403 — Agreements"
---

# §40302. Filing requirements

- (a) **In General.—** A true copy of every [agreement](/usc/46/40102.md?p=1) referred to in [section 40301(a)](/usc/46/40301.md?p=a) or (b) of this title shall be filed with the Federal Maritime [Commission](/usc/46/42501.md?p=1). If the [agreement](/usc/46/40102.md?p=1) is oral, a complete memorandum specifying in detail the substance of the [agreement](/usc/46/40102.md?p=1) shall be filed.
- (b) **Exceptions.—** [Subsection (a)](#a) does not apply to—
  - (1) an [agreement](/usc/46/40102.md?p=1) related to transportation to be performed within or between foreign countries; or
  - (2) an [agreement](/usc/46/40102.md?p=1) among [common carriers](/usc/46/40102.md?p=7) to establish, operate, or maintain a marine terminal in the United States.
- (c) **Regulations.—** The [Commission](/usc/46/42501.md?p=1) may by regulation prescribe the form and manner in which an [agreement](/usc/46/40102.md?p=1) shall be filed and any additional information and documents necessary to evaluate the [agreement](/usc/46/40102.md?p=1).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 109–304, § 7, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1528.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Revised<br>Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
| 40302 | 46 App.:1704(a). | Pub. L. 98–237, § 5(a), Mar. 20, 1984, 98 Stat. 70; Pub. L. 98–595, § 3(b)(1), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3132. |