The process of applying for FMC qualification in the US is as follows:
1. Understand the application requirements
Legitimate business entity: The applicant must be a legally registered enterprise with independent legal personality, and have a legal and compliant “identity”.
Good financial status: the enterprise must show a good financial status to prove its ability to undertake the business process of the relevant responsibilities.
Compliance philosophy: Strictly comply with the FMC's regulations and requirements to ensure fair and transparent tariffs, and resolutely eliminate fraud, false advertising and other irregularities to effectively protect the rights and interests of consumers.
2. Preparation of application materials
OTI Registration FMC Registration Application Form: Used to apply for NVOCC registration in FMC, which is the key step to obtain the qualification.
Business License: Provide legal and valid business license to prove the legal business qualification of the enterprise.
Passport of the authorized signatory: to prove the signatory's identity and authorization qualification.
Copy of ID card or scan of passport of other directors or supervisors of the enterprise: to show the legitimacy of the enterprise structure.
Original bill of lading: for filing tariffs and terms of service.
Word version of the terms and conditions on the back of the bill of lading: for filing tariffs and terms of service.
Financial statement of the enterprise: Provide the financial statement of the enterprise in the previous year, including balance sheet and income statement, to prove the financial status of the enterprise.
Other related documents: such as NVOCC membership certificates (e.g. TIA/WCA/CIFA/LOGNET) (if any), NVOCC LEGAL LIABILITY AND E&O INSURANCE (if any), etc.
It should be noted that all application materials must be completed in English and must be signed and stamped in original.
3. Submission of Filing Information
According to the requirements of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, carefully sort out and prepare all the materials required for FMC filing to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the materials.
4. Apply for Bond
Bond is a guarantee letter issued by the guarantee company recognized by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, which serves to ensure that NVOCC (Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier) will strictly comply with the relevant laws and regulations in the course of transportation in the U.S. Otherwise, it will face compensation or fines. When applying for a bond, you usually need to provide one month's financial statement, bond application form and other materials to prove that you have the appropriate economic strength and risk-bearing ability.
5. FMC qualification filing
After successfully obtaining the Bond, submit the FMC qualification filing application to the U.S. maritime authorities and actively cooperate with the approval process. During the approval process, FMC will scrutinize the materials submitted by the enterprise and evaluate whether the enterprise meets the regulations and requirements. It takes about 15-20 working days for this stage, and the enterprise needs to wait patiently and pay attention to the progress of the approval at any time.
6. Open tariff filing system
After obtaining the FMC qualification, enterprises are also required to open the tariff filing system and complete the tariff information registration. The tariff filing system is an online platform for enterprises to report their tariffs and terms of service to the FMC for monitoring and investigation.
7. Apply for SCAC code
SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is a four-digit alpha code used to identify NVOCC in the AMS (Automated Manifest System) system.