UAE: Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information (MPCI) program grace period ends
We would like to remind you of the mandatory requirements under the UAE National Advance Information Center (NAIC) program for Maritime Preload Cargo Information (MPCI) filing.
The industry transition period for MPCI compliance will end on September 30, 2026. Effective October 1, 2026, full enforcement of the MPCI program will begin.
To support the continued movement of cargo into the United Arab Emirates, please ensure that all required shipment data is submitted completely, accurately, and within the required timelines. Missing, incomplete, or inaccurate data may result in Do Not Load (DNL) instructions, shipment holds, loading restrictions, or regulatory penalties.
Mandatory MPCI Party ID in Shipping Instructions
Customers are required to include the applicable MPCI Code / Party ID when submitting Shipping Instructions (SI) to Hapag-Lloyd. The MPCI Party ID is a unique code issued to registered economic operators, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, and agents.
Customers who do not yet have an MPCI Code must complete the one-time registration through the NAIC portal.
Required Bill of Lading information
To avoid rejection by NAIC, please ensure that the following information is complete and accurate:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 6-digit HS Code is mandatory for all non-consolidated / direct Bill of Lading filings |
| Party details | Full name and address of Shipper, Consignee, and Notify Party |
| Container and seal details | Accurate container and seal numbers |
| Cargo description | Clear, accurate, and specific goods description |
Requirements for Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs
Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs issuing House Bills of Lading (HBLs) must ensure that their HBL filings are completed within the required timeline.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing timeline | HBL filing must be completed 24 hours prior to loading at the last foreign port before the UAE |
| Parent Bill reference | The Hapag-Lloyd Master Bill of Lading number must be referenced as the parent bill in the HBL filing |
| Filing status | Filing must reach Assessment Complete (AC) status |
Please note that if required HBL filings are missing, the Master Bill of Lading may remain in Pending Sub-Filing (PSF) status, and the related container may not be approved for loading.
For detailed technical guidelines, please refer to the NAIC portal or contact NAIC support at [email protected] .
Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact our customer service team at your location, who will be happy to guide you based on your individual situation.