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U.S. Extends Maritime Shipping Law Waiver for Another 90 Days

Published Nov. 15, 2026

Key Points

  • DHS approved a third 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver at DOW’s request, effective November 16, 2026, through February 14, 2027.
  • Covered products must be loaded onto the relevant vessel before 11:59 p.m. ET on February 14, 2027.
  • Businesses must request authorization before using foreign-flagged vessels to transport eligible cargo between U.S. ports.
  • MARAD will check whether coastwise-qualified U.S. vessels can handle the proposed shipment.
  • DOW will decide whether the proposed voyage qualifies for the exemption.
  • Vessel owners or operators and waiver requesters must submit a voyage report to MARAD within 10 days after the voyage ends.

U​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Container ship sails across the ocean beneath a large American flagnder the Jones Act, goods transported between U.S. ports generally must travel on vessels built in the U.S., owned by U.S. citizens, and authorized for coastwise trade. When the government grants a waiver, eligible cargo can move between U.S. ports aboard foreign-flagged vessels instead. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has approved another 90-day extension of the waiver, at the request of the Department of War (DOW), allowing eligible shipments through February 14, 2027. Businesses must still request authorization and receive approval before arranging transportation. CBP has also released an updated list of potentially covered products.

Extension Dates and Cargo Loading Deadline

With the third extension, the waiver covers a new 90-day period beginning November 16, 2026, and ending February 14, 2027. CBP requires covered products to be loaded onto the relevant vessel no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on February 14, 2027.

A shipment doesn’t automatically qualify just because its product appears on the covered products list. Businesses must also obtain approval for the proposed voyage.

How to Request Authorization

Businesses must first submit a written request to DoW and the Maritime Administration (MARAD), with CBP copied for situational awareness.

Use the subject line “VESSEL AVAILABILITY REQUEST” and include:

  • Vessel details: Name, IMO number, flag, owner, and operator, including their countries.
  • Carrier: Name of the carrier.
  • Voyage details: Proposed voyage dates and relevant ports, including loading and unloading locations and dates.
  • Cargo details: Commodity description, applicable Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code, Hazmat code (if applicable), and shipment quantity.
  • Shipment frequency: How often the business plans to ship the cargo.
  • National defense justification: Why the proposed voyage serves the interests of national defense.
  • Additional information: Any other details MARAD requests, such as special shipping or stowage requirements and charterparty dates.

Send the request to:

Authorization Review Process

MARAD conducts a market survey to check whether coastwise-qualified vessels can handle the proposed shipment. Unless MARAD specifies otherwise, these vessels have 24 hours to respond to the survey and confirm their availability.

MARAD forwards the results to DOW, which determines whether the waiver covers the proposed voyage. DOW then notifies the requesting business, MARAD, and CBP whether a foreign-flagged vessel can proceed or an available coastwise-qualified vessel will handle the shipment.

After receiving authorization, the business can contact the appropriate carrier to arrange transportation.

Updated List of Potentially Covered Products

CBP released an updated list of potentially covered products dated November 16, 2026.

Businesses can review the updated product list (Excel) to check whether their commodities appear in the attachment. Inclusion on the list does not guarantee approval for transportation under the exemption.

For questions, contact CBP at jonesact@cbp.dhs.gov.

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

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