Web Alert: Rotterdam Rules Clear Significant Hurdle on Way to Ratification by the United States

Web Alert: Rotterdam Rules Clear Significant Hurdle on Way to Ratification by the United States, 14 June 2013

The United States State Department has completed its “ratification package” for the Rotterdam Rules.

The package has been sent it to the Maritime Administration, the Federal Maritime Commission, and the Department of Justice for inter-agency review.  It is anticipated that the review will be complete by the end of July and will then go up the chain at the State Department and to the President.  The President will then send them to the Senate for its advice and consent.

Given the delays so far, it is risky to make a prediction, but the Rotterdam Rules have now cleared a significant hurdle on their way to ratification by the US.  If and when the US ratifies them, the remaining major trading nations are expected to follow.