cargo compliance freight

UAE MPCI: Is Your Business Affected? Here's What to Know

Seamless Technology | April 16, 2025

With the UAE's Maritime Preload Cargo Information (MPCI) regulations taking effect soon, it's essential for Ocean Carriers, Freight Forwarders, NVOCCs, and Shipping Agents to understand their compliance obligations—especially if involved in containerized maritime shipments bound for (or transshipped through) the UAE.

This guide breaks down the requirements by role, making it easy for you to understand what applies, what doesn’t, and how to stay compliant.

Shipments Subject to MPCI Regulations

Before diving into roles, make sure your shipments fall under MPCI scope. MPCI applies only if all of the following are true:

Mode: Shipment is transported by sea (not air or land)
Cargo Type: Containerized cargo (not general, RoRo, dry-bulk, or liquid-bulk)
Movement: Cargo is being imported into or transshipped through a UAE seaport (exports are excluded)

✅ If your shipments meet all three criteria, continue reading.

🚢 Ocean Carriers

Ocean Carriers must submit MPCI Filings for all eligible B/Ls, including:

Master B/Ls (typically issued to Freight Forwarders)
Direct B/Ls (typically issued to cargo owners)
FROB Shipments (Freight Remaining On Board)

MPCI applies regardless of B/L format (paper, Sea Waybill, Express Release, eBL) or negotiability.

Compliance Options:

Direct Integration: Requires time and IT investment to connect with NAIC—typically a multi-week or multi-month process
Use a Certified Technology Provider: Seamless Technology is officially accredited by NAIC to provide a compliant, fast-track MPCI submission platform via web or EDI/API

👉 Avoid integration delays—try Seamless Technology’s MPCI Online Filing Platform free, or enable automated MPCI Filings from your existing system through our MPCI CarrierConnect EDI/API adapter.

🏢 Shipping Agents

You’re not required to submit MPCI Filings unless delegated by an Ocean Carrier.

If you’ve been delegated

Follow the same filing procedures as Ocean Carriers
Use your own MPCI Party ID and file on behalf of the Carrier

🇦🇪 UAE-Based Freight Forwarders & NVOCCs

If you're licensed in the UAE and have applicable shipments, you are legally required to submit MPCI Filings.

Key points:

Applies to imports and transshipments
Does not apply to FROB
You may delegate filing to your partners, but you must still obtain your MPCI Party ID from the NAIC Portal

Try Seamless Technology’s MPCI Online Filing Platform free, or enable automated MPCI Filings from your existing system through our MPCI FreightConnect EDI/API adapter.

🌍 Overseas Freight Forwarders & NVOCCs

If you're not licensed in the UAE, MPCI Filings are only required if a UAE-based partner delegates the responsibility to you.

In this case:

Obtain your own MPCI Party ID from the NAIC Portal
Include both your Party ID and the Party ID of the UAE-based operator in each filing

How to comply?

If you're involved in any part of the MPCI-eligible shipment journey, here’s how to comply:

Register with NAIC to obtain your MPCI Party ID
Choose a filing method:
- Use Seamless Technology’s web-based platform: get your free trial now
- Automate your filings via EDI/API: contact us

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. Seamless Technology does not represent or speak on behalf of any government authority and cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. This content is not intended to serve as legal or regulatory advice. For official guidance, requirements, and updates related to the MPCI program, readers are strongly advised to consult directly with the UAE National Advance Information Center (NAIC).

Seamless Technology shall not be held liable for any decisions made or actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.