On exactly which rank does trade embargo protection start?

[cesarito91]

When I started playing a long time ago I always asumed it was at rank 21. I just noticed that I had the protection at rank 18 with Cadar when accidentally trading with one of its embargo rivals.

Now I'm trying to figure out just how much I have to work with each syndicate/house to get all protrections as fast as possible so I can finally fire my Political Officer and trade freely throughout the quadrant.

Thank you.

[poryg]

Rank 18. However, note that from rank 5 onwards you swear an oath of loyalty to a faction, which means any tasks (not sure now if it counts for messages, trade and trade goods delivery, but it definitely does for cargo, passengers, surveillance, blockade, capture and assassination) fulfilled against them may result in rank penalty. Once I got even five ranks down, so you shouldn't treat it lightly.

[cesarito91]

Wow you really do know your game mechanics poryg. Amazing answer. Ty!