The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new layer of pre-arrival scrutiny for maritime cargo, making advance cargo information filings mandatory for shipping lines and freight forwarders from 1 October.
Under the Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) programme, cargo data must be submitted and reviewed before a vessel departs its port of loading, according to The National. The requirement applies to cargo destined for the UAE, transiting through the country, transshipped at UAE ports, or remaining on board a vessel during a UAE port call.
The new system gives authorities greater visibility of cargo before it enters the UAE’s maritime supply chain and shifts part of the security screening process from the point of arrival to the beginning of the voyage.
Cargo to be cleared before loading
The MPCI programme is being administered by the UAE’s National Advance Information Centre (NAIC), which was established to strengthen the security and efficiency of the country’s ports, borders and free zones.
Shipping lines and freight forwarders are required to submit cargo information to the centre, including details of the consignor and consignee, before the goods are loaded.
NAIC will then review the declaration and can approve the cargo, request additional information or issue a prohibition against loading. Where a loading prohibition is issued, the container cannot be placed on the vessel.
The new pre-loading requirement does not replace existing procedures once the vessel reaches the UAE. Carriers will still need to provide the required information to local port and customs authorities upon arrival.
Data already contained in shipping documents
For carriers and forwarders, much of the information required under the new regime should already be available through standard shipping documentation.
Companies can submit information directly to NAIC through an integrated system available to shipping lines or use an accredited third-party service provider. NAIC does not charge a fee for filing cargo information, although service providers may impose their own charges.
The regulatory change nevertheless introduces a new compliance obligation for carriers and forwarders, with late filings, missing declarations and inaccurate information potentially resulting in fines.
A shift towards pre-loading risk assessment
The UAE authorities say the MPCI programme is intended to strengthen maritime cargo security while improving the efficiency and predictability of cargo movements through the country.
The system allows authorities to identify potential risks before cargo is loaded rather than waiting until shipments arrive at a UAE port.
Thoppil said the additional visibility could also improve planning across the wider maritime and logistics industry by giving authorities and operators a clearer picture of cargo moving towards the UAE.
As highlighted, the approach follows similar advance cargo information regimes already used in other major trading markets.
Carriers prepare for phased enforcement
Major container lines have already begun notifying customers about the mandatory MPCI regime. CMA CGM has warned that shipments without an MPCI reference number, or those missing other mandatory information, could be rolled over to a subsequent vessel.
Maersk, meanwhile, said enforcement mechanisms, including requests for information (RFI) and do-not-load (DNL) notifications, would be introduced progressively under a phased implementation process.
During the initial phase, Maersk said shipments submitted under the new system were expected to receive approval for loading and that customers should not experience cargo shutouts or shipments being retained on board as a result of the implementation.
The carrier said initial cases of non-compliance would be handled through formal communications and warning notices, while urging customers to continue meeting UAE advance manifest requirements and to ensure that filings are submitted accurately and on time.
For the shipping industry, the introduction of MPCI marks a significant change in how cargo entering the UAE is assessed.
That could give the UAE greater control over potential cargo risks while providing carriers, freight forwarders and other logistics operators with greater visibility over shipments ahead of arrival. The immediate challenge for the industry will be ensuring that data is complete, accurate and submitted early enough to avoid delays.
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