Updated Guidance #2: Implementation of Jones Act Waiver issued to the Department of War
CBP provides updated guidance on the Jones Act waiver effective until May 17, 2026. Includes updated list of covered products and documentation requirements for foreign-flag vessels transporting domestic cargo.
What changes
Se actualiza la lista de productos potencialmente cubiertos por la exención de la Ley Jones al 16 de abril de 2026. Se aclara que los productos cubiertos deben estar cargados a bordo del buque antes de que expire el plazo (11:59 PM EDT del 17 de mayo de 2026).
Who is impacted
Operadores de embarcaciones de bandera extranjera, transportistas marítimos, importadores/exportadores que utilizan transporte marítimo doméstico en EE.UU., agentes aduanales, y empresas relacionadas con productos de defensa nacional.
Recommended actions
- ›Notificar a CBP vía jonesact@cbp.dhs.gov antes de transportar mercancías cubiertas en buques de bandera extranjera
- ›Presentar formulario CBP 1302 en papel con declaración de exención Jones Act para carga doméstica
- ›Asegurar que la carga esté embarcada antes del 17 de mayo de 2026 a las 11:59 PM EDT
- ›Cumplir con requisitos de entrada y despacho de embarcaciones mediante VECS en ACE
- ›Reportar información del viaje a marad.milcargo@dot.gov dentro de 10 días de concluido el viaje
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an update to the guidance on implementing the Jones Act waiver granted to the Department of War on March 17, 2026. This update includes a revised list of potentially covered products as of April 16, 2026.
The waiver, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 501(a), covers a 60-day period expiring on May 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time. CBP has clarified that to comply with the waiver, any covered product must be loaded onboard the relevant vessel before the deadline expires.
Carriers engaging in trade under this waiver must provide paper CBP Form 1302 for all U.S. domestic cargo. The form must include a specific statement indicating the shipment is moving under the Jones Act waiver requirement dated March 17, 2026. Foreign-flagged vessels remain subject to vessel entrance and clearance requirements and should use the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System (VECS) in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
Additionally, in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 501(c), within 10 days after the conclusion of the voyage, the vessel owner or operator must submit a report to the Maritime Administrator including detailed voyage information, cargo description, and an explanation of why the waiver served national defense interests. This information will be published on the Department of Transportation website within 48 hours of receipt.