Customer Advisory on UAE MPCI (Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information)

Based on National Advance Information Centre federal law # (52) of (2022), the UAE is implementing the Maritime Preload Cargo Information System (MPCI). This system aims to enable early risk and compliance assessment for maritime cargo bound to the UAE - 24 hours before loading at the last port of loading before the UAE, thereby enhancing border security and improving trade flows.

Implementation Timeline:

While the established go-live date is July 31, 2025, we acknowledge that Ocean Carriers & Freight Forwarders have a grace period extending until March 31, 2026.

Kindly refer to the slide Go Live & Grace period in the presentation link shared by the 
Federal Authority. 

NAIC MPCI Overview Webinar April 2025.pdf

We have copied a screenshot of the slide for easy reference. 

To ensure a smooth transition and adherence, ONE AE is planning a trial run of the MPCI submission in the fourth quarter of 2025. This trial will allow us to identify and address any potential issues before the full implementation. 

Overview

Shipping Line, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs transporting cargo through or into the UAE are required to file shipment data with the National Advance Information Centre (NAIC). This applies exclusively to containerized cargo, including import, transshipment, and FROB (Freight Remaining on Board)

Filing Options

NAIC uses accredited integration service providers to facilitate the filing process. The following options are available:

• Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs: Must file shipment data through accredited service providers.
• Shipping Line: Can choose to either:

            ○ File through accredited service providers, or
            ○ Use direct integration with the NAIC system.

Scope of Filing

The following cargo types are required to file:

• Shipping Line: Must file either the Direct Bill of Lading (for non-consolidated shipments) or the Master Bill of Lading (for consolidated shipments).
• Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs: Must file the House Bills of Lading for consolidated shipments.

Required Information:

Primarily consists of the data found on the Bill of Lading, along with additional information such as:

• 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 & Voyage Information: Mandatory for shipping lines.
• Identifiers: Shipping lines and freight forwarders must provide their own identifiers:

            MPCI Party ID (Link to next section). 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.

The MPCI party ID is a unique identifier assigned by NAIC to each registered Shipping Line or freight forwarder.

• Freight Forwarders: Must provide their own MPCI Party ID to Shipping Line or 
  overseas freight forwarders when necessary for filing purposes.

After filing, NAIC will respond with one of the following main 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.

All entities (Shipping Line, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and shipping agents) must register with NAIC before initiating filings.

Freight forwarders and Shipping Line can file through NAIC’s accredited service providers.

For enquiries kindly email to [email protected]

For additional details, please refer to the https://naic.icp.gov.ae/portal/mpci/guide-lines for guidelines / for guideline/procedure