UAE Advance Cargo Manifest Implementation

As part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance trade security and compliance, the National Advance Information Center (NAIC) will implement the Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) Program.

The MPCI program, similar to AMS (USA) and ENS (EU) requirements, mandates the advance submission of cargo information for maritime shipments entering or transiting through the UAE.

NAIC (National Advance Information Center) is a separate authority and MPCI filing is independent of customs filing. It does not replace the existing Customs filing processes.

MPCI Program is currently in the deployment window, and it will become fully operational on 1 April 2026, when full compliance will be mandatory.

Since the beginning of February 2026, MSC started to submit Advance cargo manifest information to NAIC.

MPCI program rules applies to:

▪ All cargo discharged in the UAE, transshipped via the UAE, or remaining on board (FROB) when the vessel calls a UAE port.
▪ Customers, Freight Forwarders, NVOCCs, Shipping Lines, and Shipping Agents.

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) 24 hours prior Expected Time of Loading at port of loading for the vessel directly calling UAE ports.

Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs must file shipment data through an accredited service provider certified by NAIC.

There are two primary filing types under the MPCI program:

Direct BL (Non-consolidated shipment)
▪ Only the shipping line’s MPCI Party ID is needed (because only the carrier files the BL with NAIC).
▪ There is no HBL, so no forwarder/NVOCC MPCI Party ID is required on the BL.
▪ The BL is declared to NAIC simply as a Direct Bill of Lading by MSC

Master BL with House BL(s)
▪ Shipping line’s MPCI Party ID is on the Master BL declaration together with the MPCI Party ID of the Forwarder/NVOCC.
▪ The forwarder/NVOCC must file the House BL(s) separately with NAIC (either directly or through an accredited service provider), mentioning the MPCI Party ID of the shipping line.
▪ MSC MPCI Party ID is already available on NAIC website and it is MSCSL00.

Forwarder/NVOCC should inform whether shipment is Direct BL or Master BL by including (or not) MPCI Party ID in Shipping Instructions (SI):
▪ For SI that are submitted on MyMSC.com, if MPCI party ID is present, must be declared in the Additional Comments form (ex. “MPCI: <your MPCI party id>”).
▪ For SI submitted via EDI (for direct customers) or INTTRA, please use the dedicated MPCI IFTMIN segment/field.

If the 7-digit Alpha numeric MPCI Party ID is absent in SI, MSC will declare cargo as Direct BL

Cargo Transshipped or remaining on board must always be declared as Direct BL, and MSC will be the only declarant.

Failure to submit complete and accurate pre-load information may result in:
▪ Cargo delays
▪ Do Not Load
▪ Non-compliance actions by UAE authorities

For more information please visit the NAIC website: https://naic.icp.gov.ae/portal/mpci/info

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

▪ Export Shipments – Shipments being exported from the UAE
▪ Wooden Vessels – Excluded in the current phase of MPCI implementation
▪ Empty Containers – Containers without cargo (SOC Tank containers with residue must be filed)
▪ Crew’s Effects – Personal belongings of the vessel’s crew

Should you have any questions, please contact your local MSC representatives in our global network of more than 675 offices.