Customs Invites Reports of Jones Act Violations

The United States restricts its domestic maritime trade to qualified U.S.-flag vessels under what is generally referred to as the “Jones Act.”  Violations of the Jones Act by foreign vessels or non-qualified U.S.-flag vessels are subject to a potential array of penalties and fines. On November 12, 2014, the New Orleans, Louisiana office of Customs and Border Protection issued a notice inviting “e-Allegations” to report possible violations of the Jones Act. Presumably, the New Orleans office is focused on offshore violations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. As indicated in the notice, “e-Allegations” is “an electronic system used for receiving and tracking of Trade violations.” “E-Allegations” can be submitted anonymously.