UAE Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information (MPCI) Advisory
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 Center (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.
A complete list of accredited service providers can be found here
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.
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.
- Wooden Vessels: Excluded for the current phase of MPCI implementation.
- Empty Containers: Containers without cargo inside.
- Crew’s Effects: Personal belongings of the vessel’s crew.
Filing Format
All BOLs must be submitted in the EDIFACT CUSCAR format. When using a service provider, the technical aspects of the filing process will be handled by the provider.
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.
NAIC Response
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.
Note: Full response details are included in MPCI Business specifications document.
MPCI Party ID
The MPCI party ID is a unique identifier assigned by NAIC to each registered Shipping Line or freight forwarder.
- Shipping Line: A complete list of Shipping Line MPCI Party IDs will be available as we approach the program launch date
- Freight Forwarders: Must provide their own MPCI Party ID to Shipping Line or overseas freight forwarders when necessary for filing purposes.
Delegation of Filing
- Shipping Line: May delegate the filing process to their shipping agents, but the agent must provide the Shipping Line’s MPCI code during filing. The liability remains with the Shipping Line.
- Local Freight Forwarders/NVOCCs: Can delegate filing to overseas freight forwarders, who must provide the local freight forwarder’s MPCI code during filing. The liability remains with the local freight forwarder.
Registration Requirements
All entities (Shipping Line, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and shipping agents) must register with NAIC before initiating filings. Register here
Accredited Service Providers
Freight forwarders and Shipping Line can file through NAIC’s accredited service providers. A full list of certified service providers is available on a separate page. View the list of accredited service providers
Further Guidance
For additional details, please refer to the FAQs or consult the MPCI Implementation Guide for specific filing procedures.
