Tariff Regulation Overview

Tariffs are a crucial aspect of international trade, and understanding how they're regulated is essential for businesses and governments alike. Tariffs can be imposed to protect domestic industries, raise revenue, or retaliate against other countries.

In the United States, tariffs are regulated by the International Trade Commission (ITC), which investigates petitions to impose tariffs on imported goods. The ITC's decisions are based on the impact of imports on domestic industries.

Tariff rates can vary widely, with some tariffs as low as 0% and others as high as 30% or more. For example, the US imposes a 25% tariff on imported solar panels.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) sets rules for tariffs and trade, but its decisions are not always binding on member countries.

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Electronic tariffs must be filed in a format agreed upon in advance, and include specific data elements.

The format for electronic tariffs is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States.

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Abbreviations, reference marks, and symbols used in tariffs must be explained in each tariff.

The DOT requires that the following symbols be used:

The rates, fares, charges, classifications, rules, regulations, practices, and services provided in a tariff must be filed in each country where filing is required by treaty, convention, or agreement.

A statement referenced in another section may be included with each filing advice by the inclusion of a symbol that is properly explained.

A tariff filing designation of another country may be omitted from an electronic tariff if the tariff publication that has been filed with that country bears a tariff filing designation of that country.

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The format for electronic tariffs must be agreed to in advance and include the data elements set forth in § 221.202.

Abbreviations, reference marks, and symbols used in tariffs must be explained in each tariff. The following symbols are used: and other symbols may be used only when an explanation is provided and are consistent throughout all electronically filed tariffs.

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Tariffs must be filed in each country where filing is required by treaty, convention, or agreement. The required symbol may be omitted from an electronic tariff if the tariff publication filed with another country bears a tariff filing designation of that country in addition to the D.O.T. number.

The proposed effective date, routing number(s), and rules tariff must be included in the tariff. Rules tariffs shall not contain the phrase "intentionally left blank".

Regulation is a crucial aspect of business and commerce. Tariffs are a type of regulation that govern the rates and services provided by companies.

Tariffs are typically filed with regulatory agencies, such as public utilities commissions or municipalities, for approval. These agencies ensure that the proposed rates and services comply with regulations and are fair to consumers.

Companies must submit a proposal detailing the services and rates they plan to offer, which is then reviewed and approved by the regulatory agency. If approved, the company is granted an exclusive franchise to provide the tariffed product or service within a specific area.

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The proposal must include specific details about the services and rates, such as the price to be charged for the product or service. This information is used to determine whether the proposal meets regulatory requirements.

Regulatory agencies may also require companies to post tariffs in public locations, such as stations or offices, for consumers to view. This ensures transparency and compliance with regulations.

Companies that fail to comply with regulatory requirements may face penalties or fines. It's essential for companies to understand and follow regulatory guidelines to avoid these consequences.

Regulatory agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, have specific rules and regulations governing passenger fares and services. These regulations dictate how companies must file tariffs and other documents, as well as the information that must be included.

Companies must also obtain permission to waive or modify regulatory requirements, which involves submitting an application to the regulatory agency.

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Electronic tariffs must conform to criteria approved by the Department's Office of International Aviation as provided in § 221.180.

Tariffs filed electronically must include data elements set forth in § 221.202, which includes information such as the proposed effective date and rules tariffs.

Abbreviations, reference marks, and symbols used in tariffs must be explained in each tariff, as per § 221.200. This includes symbols such as those used for routing numbers and fare class explanations.

The rates, fares, charges, classifications, rules, regulations, practices, and services provided in tariffs must be filed in each country where filing is required by treaty, convention, or agreement.

A filer must provide a comparison between the proposed fare and the ceiling fare allowed in the market, as per § 221.205.

Tariffs filed electronically must be made available to subscribers through a subscription service, as per § 221.500. This service must allow remote access to the on-line tariff database.

The filer may establish a charge for providing the required subscription service, but the charge must not exceed a reasonable estimate of the added cost of providing the service.

Fares tariffs, including associated data, must be filed electronically in conformity with subpart R, as per § 221.30. This includes arbitraries, footnotes, routing numbers, and fare class explanations.

In direct-service markets, all fares filed electronically must be filed as single factor fares, as per § 221.206.

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As a carrier, you're responsible for filing tariffs with the Department that show all fares and charges for foreign air transportation.

Every air carrier and foreign air carrier must file tariffs with the Department, and provide and keep them open to public inspection.

The tariffs must show all fares, charges, classifications, rules, regulations, practices, and services in connection with foreign air transportation.

The Department can reject any tariff that's not consistent with 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII and its regulations, and if that happens, the tariff is void and can't be used.

As a carrier, you must observe your tariffs and not charge or demand a greater or lesser compensation for foreign air transportation than what's specified in your currently effective tariffs.

You also can't refund or remit any portion of the fares or charges specified in your tariffs, or extend any privileges or facilities to any person except those specified in your tariffs.

If you're exempt from filing tariffs, it's because you're operating under specific provisions like Part 291, Domestic Cargo Transportation, or Part 380, Public Charters.

As an agent, you can issue and file tariff publications naming local fares and/or joint fares, and provisions governing such fares, under authority of your powers of attorney.

You must file such tariff publications with the Department on behalf of all carriers participating in them, and only one issuing agent can act in issuing and filing each such tariff publication.

When a carrier adopts another carrier's tariff, the issuing carriers and agents of the adopted tariff must promptly file amendments to their respective tariffs, canceling the name of the former carrier and adding the adopting carrier to the list of participating carriers.

The adopting carrier must also issue, post, and file a notice in each effective tariff issued by the former carrier, providing specific notice of the adoption.

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Carriers must make tariff information available to the public, and must comply with either sections 221.101 through 221.106 or sections 221.105, 221.106, and 221.107.

To provide public notice of tariff information, carriers can use a subscription service that transmits new tariff publications to subscribers via first-class mail within one day of transmission to the Department. This service can be offered with a reasonable charge.

Carriers must also file printed material, such as tariffs and justifications, in paper format on the same date as electronic filings. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in rejection, denial, or disapproval of the filing.

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Amendments to tariffs must be done with specificity and clarity, identifying the material being amended and the changes being made.

Each revised page of a paper tariff must show the effective date of the previous page and the intended effective date of the revised page, and must identify and cancel the previously effective page.

Paper tariffs must be reissued with uniform amendment symbols to show the changes being made.

Amendments in electronic format must conform to the requirements of § 221.202 and other applicable provisions of subpart R.

Each file of tariffs must be kept in complete and accessible form, and employees of the carrier must be required to give any desired information contained in such tariffs.

Rules tariffs must include a specific description of routing provisions, including transfer provisions, whether on-line or inter-line.

The adopting carrier must issue, post, and file with the Department a notice in each effective tariff issued by the former carrier, providing specific notice of the adoption.

Two copies of each paper tariff, tariff revision, and adoption notice must be sent to the Office of International Aviation, Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20428.

The filer must continue to file printed tariffs as required by subparts A through Q of part 221 for a period of 90 days, or until such time as the Department deems such filing no longer necessary.

The filer must furnish the Department with a copy of all existing effective and prospective records on a machine-readable tape or other mutually acceptable electronic medium.

The filer must provide remote access to any subscriber to the on-line tariff database, including access to the justification required by § 221.205.

The filer must provide a copy of the machine-readable data (raw tariff data) of all daily transactions made to its on-line tariff database upon request.

Each carrier must make available to any person so requesting a subscription service for its passenger tariffs issued by it or by a publishing agent on its behalf.

The carrier must transmit one copy of each new tariff publication, including the justification required by § 221.94, to each subscriber by first-class mail not later than one day following the time the copies for official filing are transmitted to the Department.

Any tariff or revision thereto filed in paper format must be received by the Department on the same date that a tariff or revision thereto is filed electronically.

Any printed justifications or other information accompanying a tariff or revision thereto filed electronically must be received by the Department on the same date as any tariff or revision thereto filed electronically.

Electronic tariffs and amendments must contain specific data elements, including a Filing Advice Status File and a Government Filing File, as stated in § 221.202.

Each electronic tariff and amendment must be submitted with a sequential filing advice number, which will be referenced in the Government Filing File and the Filing Advice Status File, as required by § 221.212.

Paper submissions accompanying electronic tariffs must bear the same filing advice number and be in the form of a revised tariff page, as specified in § 221.212.

The Department will note its action on Special Tariff Permission requests in the Government Filing File and the Filing Advice Status File, as stated in § 221.212.

If a paper portion of a Special Tariff Permission is disapproved, the disapproval will be reflected on the next consecutive revision of the affected tariff page, as required by § 221.212.

The filer must take corrective action within two business days following disapproval or notice of other action, as stated in § 221.212.

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All submissions under this section must comply with the requirements of § 221.202.

Amendments to tariffs must identify with specificity and clarity the material being amended and the changes being made, as required by § 221.71.

Amendments in electronic format must conform to the requirements of § 221.202 and other applicable provisions of subpart R.

Each revised page of a paper tariff must identify and cancel the previously effective page, show the effective date of the previous page, and show the intended effective date of the revised page, as stated in § 221.71.

Tariffs and amendments must be filed in accordance with the requirements of subparts A through Q of part 221, as specified in § 221.195.

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Each fare applicable to foreign air transportation must bear a unique rule number, as specified by mutual agreement between the filer and the Department.

This unique rule number is a crucial identifier for each fare, and it's essential to have it set before implementing any electronic filing system.

In fact, tariffs that don't specify whether fares include services in addition to airport-to-airport transportation are not compliant with the requirements.

This means that tariffs should clearly outline what services are included in the fares, making it easier for carriers to provide accurate information to the public.

A rejected tariff, on the other hand, is considered void and has no force or effect, and it must not be used.

This highlights the importance of accurate and compliant tariff filing, as any errors or omissions can result in a rejected tariff.

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Fares and Charges are governed by specific rules and regulations.

Fares tariffs, including associated data, must be filed electronically in conformity with subpart R. This includes arbitraries, footnotes, routing numbers, and fare class explanations.

Electronic filing is required, but the Department's Office of International Aviation can waive this requirement for a period up to one year for carriers experiencing significant economic hardship due to limited operations.

Fares must be clearly stated and not in the form of percentages, multiples, fractions, or other relationships to other fares, except in specific circumstances.

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Passenger charges are a crucial aspect of air travel, and it's essential to understand the rules surrounding them.

Fares tariffs, including associated data, must be filed electronically in conformity with subpart R, as mandated by § 221.30.

Electronic filing is the norm, but the Department's Office of International Aviation can waive this requirement for a period up to one year, allowing carriers to file in a paper format if electronic filing is impractical and would cause a significant economic hardship.

Fares stated in percentages of other fares are prohibited, except in specific circumstances outlined in § 221.54.

Fares for refund purposes can be stated in percentages of other fares, and transportation rates for excess baggage can also be stated as percentages of fares.

Children's, infants', and senior citizen's fares can be stated as percentages of other fares, but only if the base fares are published in dollars and cents.

Fares stated as percentages of base fares must apply from and to the same points, via the same routes, and for the same class of service and same type of aircraft.

Fares cannot be stated as percentages of base fares for different points, routes, types of aircraft, or classes of service.

The publication of fares or charges that duplicate or conflict with the same carrier's fares in the same or any other tariff is prohibited, as stated in § 221.55.

Add-on fares must be specifically designated as "add-on" fares in each tariff, and the manner in which they are applied must be clearly stated.

Add-on fares can be used to determine fares from or to particular points by adding or deducting them from fares that apply from or to a base point.

Airport to airport transportation is just the beginning, as tariffs must specify whether additional services are included in the fare.

Tariffs are required to clearly state whether the fares they list include services in addition to airport-to-airport transportation.

If a tariff includes accessorial services, it's essential to understand what those services are and what they cost.

Accessorial services can include anything from baggage handling to fuel surcharges, and it's crucial to know what's included in the base fare.

Tariffs that include accessorial services must specify exactly what those services are, so you can plan accordingly.

A tariff suspension is a serious matter that requires immediate action from carriers or agents. A suspension supplement must be issued and filed with the Department within minutes of receiving an order to suspend a tariff.

Suspended tariff provisions cannot be changed or withdrawn except by Department order or special tariff permission. This means that if a tariff is suspended, any changes to it are put on hold until further notice.

The suspension supplement must contain a prominent notice of suspension, including the affected tariff provisions, suspension date, and Department docket and order numbers. This information helps ensure that all parties are aware of the suspension.

To make suspended tariff provisions effective, the issuing agent or carrier must amend the pertinent tariffs in the prescribed manner. This can be a lengthy process, but it's essential for bringing the suspended provisions back into effect.

Applications for waiver of tariff regulations must be made in writing to the Office of International Aviation, Department of Transportation. The application must specify the regulation to be waived, detail how the proposed provisions will be shown in the tariff, and provide all relevant facts and circumstances.

A carrier or its agent must refile a tariff showing the effective date when a suspension is vacated or when the tariff becomes effective upon termination of the suspension period. This ensures that the tariff is up-to-date and compliant with Department regulations.

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Electronic filing of tariffs is a requirement, and any paper tariffs accompanying electronic filings must be received by the Department on the same date, in accordance with subparts A through Q of part 221.

If a filer submits a filing that fails to comply with the requirements, the filing will be subject to rejection, denial, or disapproval. The Department may reject any tariff that is not consistent with section 41504 of 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII or with Department orders.

Notifying the carrier or agent of rejection is done electronically or in writing, specifying the reason for rejection.

Electronic filing requirements for tariffs and amendments are quite specific. All electronic filings must contain a Filing Advice Status File, which includes the filing date and time, reference to the carrier, and effective date of the amendment or tariff.

A Government Filing File is also required, which includes the filing advice number, reference to the Special Tariff Permission when applicable, and action taken with reasons therefor. The effective date and discontinue date of the fares tariff or proposed changes must be included, as well as the percent of change from previous fares.

Reservations and ticketing provisions must be specified, including advance reservation/ticketing requirements, payment provisions, and charges for changes. Permitted or restricted fare combinations, minimum/maximum length of stay, and discounts for status fares must also be described. Any special conditions, charges, or credits for cancellation or changes to reservations must be noted, as well as rerouting provisions and applicable charges.

Fare codes, fare amounts, currency, and rule text applicable to each fare must be included. The effective date, government action, and any other essential fare data must also be specified.

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If the electronic tariff system is discontinued, all electronic data records prior to the date of discontinuation must be provided to the Department immediately.

The records must be provided on a machine-readable tape or other mutually acceptable electronic medium, free of charge.

The Department must be notified simultaneously, and the records must be canceled from the paper tariff in the manner prescribed by subparts A through Q of part 221.

A rejected tariff is void and cannot be used, according to § 221.112. This means that if the Department rejects a tariff, it's as if it never existed.

The Department may reject a tariff for various reasons, including non-compliance with regulations or Department orders, as stated in § 221.110. This emphasizes the importance of carefully reviewing and adhering to the requirements for tariff filings.

If a tariff is rejected, the issuing carrier or agent will be notified electronically or in writing, along with the reason for the rejection, as specified in § 221.111. This notification is a crucial step in the process, ensuring that all parties are aware of the rejection.

If a filer submits a filing that fails to comply with the requirements, the filing will be subject to rejection, denial, or disapproval, as applicable, as stated in § 221.195. This highlights the need for filers to carefully review and follow the submission guidelines.

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A tariff rejected by the Department cannot be used, and its effective date may be adjusted, as authorized by the Department, as stated in § 221.195. This underscores the importance of working closely with the Department to resolve any issues that may arise during the filing process.

If a tariff containing Special Tariff Permission is rejected, the same permission may be used in a new tariff, provided it's done within a certain timeframe, as specified in § 221.123. This offers some flexibility for filers who need to make adjustments to their tariffs.

The Department may reject any tariff that is not consistent with section 41504 of 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII, or with Department orders.

A rejected tariff is considered void, without force or effect, and must not be used.

The Department has the authority to reject tariffs that don't meet the required standards, and this can happen for a variety of reasons.

If a tariff is rejected, the Department will notify the carrier or publishing agent, and they will have the opportunity to petition for review of the decision.

The carrier or publishing agent must file a petition for review within seven days after the date of the rejection, and this action will become effective immediately.

This means that the rejected tariff must not be used until the review process is complete, and the Department's decision is final.

The eViewer is a powerful tool for researching and viewing publicly available documents and information on file within FERC's eTariff system. As of June 28, 2010, it allows users to access all the information on file pursuant to Order 714.

To use the eViewer, simply open it up and start browsing through the available documents and information. The eViewer is a convenient way to stay up-to-date on the latest filings and information in the eTariff system.

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The appendices AA-MM are a crucial part of the tariff regulation. They provide additional information and procedures for various aspects of the regulation.

Appendix AA is a grandfathered resource adequacy provision that was posted on March 16, 2018. It's a Tariff document that was last updated on March 21, 2018.

The appendices BB and CC are Standard Large Generator Interconnection Agreements, which were both posted on September 1, 2022. They're Tariff documents that were last updated on September 22, 2022.

Appendix DD is a Generator Interconnection Deliverability Allocation Procedure that was posted on June 25, 2025. It's a Tariff document that was last updated on June 27, 2025.

Appendix EE and FF are Large and Small Generator Interconnection Agreements, respectively. They were both posted on December 17, 2024, and are Tariff documents that were last updated on December 18, 2024.

Some appendices, like GG and HH, are not used. GG was last used on September 9, 2020, and HH was last used on September 1, 2022.

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Here's a list of the appendices and their last update dates: