UAE | Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information Program: Go-Live on October 1st, 2026

 

We would like to remind you that the UAE MPCI filing requirements are mandatory from October 1st, 2026. Failure to comply with MPCI filing requirements in shipments destined for, transiting through, or transshipping via the UAE, including late submissions, missing filings, incomplete or incorrect data, will be considered a violation and can result in cargo confiscation, fines and penalties imposed by the local Authorities. Hence, consignments without an MPCI reference number or without all the rest of the mandatory data may be rolled over to the next vessel. 

 

For that reason, shipping lines, freight forwarders and NVOCC must submit shipping data electronically to NAIC, at the latest by 24 hours before loading (Advance filing) at the last loading port before entering in the UAE. This requirement applies to all containerized maritime cargo inbound to UAE for import, transshipment, transit and Freight Remaining on Board (FROB). 

 

Scope of Filing: 

- 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 (Shipping line should not file the HB/L). 

 

Filing Options: 

Shipping Lines and Freight Forwarders or NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers) are required to file shipment data with the National Advance Information Center (NAIC). 

Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs must file shipment data through an accredited service provider certified by NAIC. A complete list of accredited service providers can be found here: National Advance Information Center. 

 

Exclusions from Filing: 

The following cargo types and situations are excluded from filing requirements: 

- Export Shipments: Shipments being exported from the UAE 

- Non-Containerized Maritime Cargo: Bulk cargo (breakbulk, liquid bulk), Ro-Ro shipments, etc. Mixed cargo (bulk and containerized) must be filed 

- Wooden Vessels: Excluded for the current phase of MPCI implementation 

- Empty Containers: Containers without cargo inside. SOC tank - Shipper Owned Container with residue must be filed 

- Crew’s Effects: Personal belongings of the vessel’s crew 

 

Required data for Filing: 

Primarily consists of the data found on the B/L, along with the additional information below: 

- B/L number, issue date, and location  All ports (receipt, loading, transshipment, discharge, and delivery) 

- Container details, seal numbers, cargo description and HS Codes (minimum 6 digits). Please note that HS code & Cargo description amendments after the ACT response are allowed subject to NAIC approval 

- LLI number for individual consignees 

- TRN (Tax Registration Number) for legal entities (companies, corporations) consignees 

- Full details of shipper, consignee, notify party, freight forwarders and agents 

- Vessel & Voyage Information (mandatory for shipping lines) 

- MPCI Party IDs for all consolidating parties (shipping Line, freight forwarder, NVOCC). 

- MPCI Party ID of Freight forwarder and NVOCC is not required for cargo transshipped and FROB 

 

Additionally, 

- The shipping lines must include the MPCI Party ID of NVOCC or freight forwarder in cases of consolidation. 

- Master co-loader (NVOCC if any) must include the MPCI Party ID of freight forwarders in cases of consolidation, and the MPCI Party ID of the shipping line. 

- Freight forwarders must include the MPCI Party ID of the master co-loader (NVOCC if any) or of the shipping line. 

- Other Standard Information: Any additional standard information typically included in the B/L.

 

NAIC Responses:

MPCI party ID: 

The MPCI party ID is a unique 7-digit alpha numeric identifier assigned by NAIC to each registered Shipping Line, freight forwarder and NVOCC. 

 

For your reference, you can submit your MPCI at the dedicated fields 

For WEB channel

For INTTRA channel

Here below you can find our MPCI Party IDs:

Registration Requirements and links provided by NAIC: 

All entities (Shipping Line, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and shipping agents) must register with NAIC before initiating filings. You can register here: National Advance Information Center 

 

For additional information, you may refer to the NAIC official website at: NAIC Portal – UAE 

 

Support & Clarifications: 

For any questions, or clarifications, please feel free to contact your local CMA CGM Agency representatives. 

We appreciate your immediate attention and cooperation in ensuring full compliance with these updated requirements.