Statement of policy.

(a) Complaints. Section 41301 of title 46 of the United States Code permits any person to file a complaint with the Commission claiming a violation occurring in connection with the foreign commerce of the United States and to seek reparation for any injury caused by that violation. (b) Charge complaints. Section 41310 of title 46 of the United States Code permits any person to submit information concerning complaints about charges assessed by a common carrier, so long as the submission includes the applicable bills of lading numbers and invoices, and alleges violations of 46 U.S.C. 41104(a), 46 U.S.C. 41102, or both. Such complaints may seek a refund of the charges assessed. (c) Small claims. With the consent of both parties, claims filed under this subpart in the amount of $50,000 or less will be decided by a Small Claims Officer appointed by the Federal Maritime Commission's Chief Administrative Law Judge, without the necessity of formal proceedings under the rules of this part. Civil penalties are paid directly to the General Fund of the U.S. Treasury, are not part of the claim, and do not have any impact of the $50,000 limit. Authority to issue decisions under this subpart is delegated to the appointed Small Claims Officer. (d) Finality. Determination of claims under this subpart shall be administratively final and conclusive. [91 FR 56056, Sept. 1, 2026]