•      This Part sets up a system for regulating international liner cargo shipping services.

•      The main components of that system are as follows:

               (a)     registration of conference agreements;

               (b)     regulation of non‑conference ocean carriers with substantial market power;

               (c)     regulation of unfair pricing practices;

               (d)     registration of agents of ocean carriers.

•      The parties to a conference agreement relating to international liner cargo shipping services may apply for the registration of the agreement.

•      If the conference agreement is registered, the parties will be given partial and conditional exemptions from:

               (a)     sections 44ZZRF, 44ZZRG, 44ZZRJ and 44ZZRK (cartel conduct); and

               (b)     section 45 (contracts etc. that restrict dealings or affect competition); and

               (c)     section 47 (exclusive dealing).

•      The parties to a registered conference agreement are required to negotiate with, and provide information to, representative shipper bodies.

•      The Commission may investigate whether grounds exist for the Minister to deregister a conference agreement.

•      The main ground for deregistration is a breach by the parties to the agreement of requirements imposed on them by this Part.