515.18—Changes in organization.
(a)
The following changes in an existing licensee's organization require prior approval of the Commission, and application for such status change or license transfer shall be made on Form FMC-18 Rev., filed in duplicate with the Commission's Bureau of Certification and Licensing, and accompanied by the fee required under § 515.5(b)(2) :
(4)
Any change in the business structure of a licensee from or to a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, whether or not such change involves a change in ownership;
(6)
Change in the identity or status of the designated qualifying individual, except as described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) Operation after death of sole proprietor.
In the event the owner of a licensed sole proprietorship dies, the licensee's executor, administrator, heir(s), or assign(s) may continue operation of such proprietorship solely with respect to shipments for which the deceased sole proprietor had undertaken to act as an ocean transportation intermediary pursuant to the existing license, if the death is reported within 30 days to the Commission and to all principals and shippers for whom services on such shipments are to be rendered. The acceptance or solicitation of any other shipments is expressly prohibited until a new license has been issued. Applications for a new license by the executor, administrator, heir(s), or assign(s) shall be made on Form FMC-18 Rev., and shall be accompanied by the transfer fee required under § 515.5(b)(2).
(c) Operation after retirement, resignation, or death of qualifying individual.
When a partnership or corporation has been licensed on the basis of the qualifications of one or more of the partners or officers thereof, and such qualifying individual(s) no longer serve in a full-time, active capacity with the firm, the licensee shall report such change to the Commission within 30 days. Within the same 30-day period, the licensee shall furnish to the Commission the name(s) and detailed intermediary experience of any other active managing partner(s) or officer(s) who may qualify the licensee. Such qualifying individual(s) must meet the applicable requirements set forth in § 515.11(a). The licensee may continue to operate as an ocean transportation intermediary while the Commission investigates the qualifications of the newly designated partner or officer.
(d) Incorporation of branch office.
In the event a licensee's validly operating branch office becomes incorporated as a separate entity, the licensee may continue to operate such office pending receipt of a separate license, provided that:
(1)
The separately incorporated entity applies to the Commission for its own license within ten (10) days after incorporation, and
(2)
While the application is pending, the continued operation of the office is carried on as a bona fide branch office of the licensee, under its full control and responsibility, and not as an operation of the separately incorporated entity.
(e)
Acquisition of one or more additional licensees. In the event a licensee acquires one or more additional licensees, for the purpose of merger, consolidation, or control, the acquiring licensee shall advise the Commission of such change within 30 days after such change occurs by submitting in duplicate, an amended Form FMC-18, Rev. No application fee is required when reporting this change.
(f) Optional method of filing Form FMC-18.
In lieu of completing and filing Form FMC-18 in paper format, applications for approval of changes in organization, transfer of license, or changes in the identity or status of the designated qualifying individual required under this section may be completed and submitted to the Bureau of Certification and Licensing by using the automated FMC-18 filing system in accordance with the instructions found on the Commission's home page, http://www.fmc.gov. A $250 fee for filing a new application and a $125 fee for filing an amended application will be assessed for filers using the automated FMC-18 filing system instead of the fees listed at § 515.5(b)(1), (2).
[64 FR 11171, Mar. 8, 1999, as amended at 67 FR 39860, June 11, 2002; 72 FR 44978, Aug. 10, 2007]