Here’s an update about the UAE’s Maritime Preload Cargo Information (MPCI) Filing Requirement

To strengthen cargo security and enable earlier risk assessments, the United Arab Emirates will roll out the Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information (MPCI) program effective 31 July 2025. The initiative is overseen by the National Advance Information Centre (NAIC), the federal authority responsible for managing cargo and passenger information for security screening.

Scope of the MPCI Program:

The MPCI requirement applies to all containerized maritime cargo destined for:

• Import into the UAE
• Transshipment through the UAE
• Transit via the UAE
• Freight Remaining on Board (FROB) at UAE ports

The program mandates the electronic submission of Bill of Lading information to NAIC before loading at the last foreign port of departure to the UAE.

Submission of carrier’s Bill of Lading (BOL):

• Shipping Lines must directly submit BOL with NAIC or through certified service providers.
• Freight Forwarders/NVOCCs must submit through certified service providers.

Bill of Lading data requirements:

Each MPCI submission must include the following information:

• Bill Number
• Issue Date and Location
• Ports (Loading, Discharge, Transshipment, Receipt, and Delivery)
• Container Details & Seal Numbers
• Goods Details & HS Code
• Involved Parties (Shipper, Consignee, Notify Party, Freight Forwarders and Agents)
• Vessel and Voyage Information: mandatory for shipping lines
• Identifiers: Shipping lines and freight forwarders must provide their own identifiers. Additionally, freight forwarders must include identifiers for the master co-loader or shipping line. Shipping lines or master co-loaders must include identifiers for any consolidating(child) freight forwarders in cases of consolidation.
• Other Standard Information: Any additional standard information typically included in the BOL.

NAIC response codes:

Following submission, NAIC will issue one of the following status codes:

• ACT (Accepted): Approved to proceed with loading
• DNL (Do Not Load): Loading is not permitted
• RFI (Request for Information): Additional information is needed for approval

Delegation of filing:

• Shipping lines may delegate filing to overseas or local agents but remain fully liable.
• Local freight forwarders may delegate filing to overseas partners, while retaining responsibility.
• In all cases, liability remains on the local freight forwarder (for bills issued by a freight forwarder or NVOCC) and on the shipping line (for carrier-issued bills).

We strongly encourage all partners to ensure timely integration and compliance with this requirement, as it is separate from customs processes and mandatory for pre-loading clearance into UAE ports.

Should you require further assistance, please refer to the official website of the UAE government for guidelines/procedures.