The MPCI program was launched in July 2025, but it was supposed to become mandatory from March 31, 2026. The introduction was postponed to September 30 due to military operations in the region related to Iran. In fact, the program has been operating normally since October 1.
The application procedure is radically different from the previous one. Previously, the shipowner sent information about the unloaded cargo to the customs office of a specific UAE port no later than 48 hours before the arrival of the vessel. Now the shipping line or forwarder submits to the NAIC a complete package of information — including the data of the shipper and the recipient — until the ship leaves the port of departure. The NAIC makes one of three decisions: ACT (accepted), RFI (request for additional information) or DNL (prohibition of loading). The container with the DNL solution is not accepted on board. The previous procedure for notifying the port and customs authorities of the UAE upon arrival of the vessel remains in parallel.
There are two ways to apply: through direct integration with NAIC — the option is available only for shipping lines — or through an accredited service provider, which is open to all participants.
"All major logistics service providers have already switched to regular application submission. The procedure is simple and straightforward: shipping lines and forwarders already have all the necessary information in the bill of lading," said Binai Toppil, Chief Operating Officer of accredited provider ODeX.
The cost of one application through the provider is several dollars. NAIC does not charge its own fees; the pricing depends on the pricing model of a particular provider.
"Additional costs for customers are minimal — one request costs several dollars compared to thousands of dollars of freight and the cost of the cargo itself," Toppil said.
CMA CGM has warned customers that shipments without an MPCI number or with an incomplete set of mandatory data may be transferred to the next vessel. Maersk said that the RFI and DNL solutions will be introduced gradually, and during the transition period, all submitted applications are expected to be approved. Cases of non-compliance with the requirements at the initial stage will be dealt with through official notices and warnings.
Similar cargo pre—control systems have been operating in the United States since 2004, and in Central and Western European countries for the past few years. For Russian exporters and importers using the UAE as a transit hub or transshipment point, the new requirements mean the need to provide the forwarder with a complete set of bill of lading data in advance — before the ship leaves the port of loading, rather than upon arrival in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
