The United Arab Emirates is significantly tightening the requirements for cargo transportation, introducing a mandatory procedure for pre-filing manifests for all imported goods from September 1, 2025. The new rules apply not only to cargoes intended for unloading in the country, but also to transit shipments, including those that remain on board the vessel while traveling through the territory of the emirates.
Initially, the procedure for submitting preliminary manifestos was voluntary, but since mid-September of this year it has become strictly mandatory for all participants in foreign economic activity. According to information from the logistics company Rocket Cargo, the manifest must be uploaded to a specialized portal for information on preloading of ships no later than 72 hours before the estimated time of shipment of cargo from the exporting country.
To start working in the system, freight forwarders who have not previously interacted with the portal must register at the National Preliminary Information Center and receive a special identification code. Although the new requirements primarily relate to maritime transport, experts suggest that they may extend to other modes of transport in the future.
According to analysts, the main purpose of the innovations is to increase the transparency of international cargo transportation, improve the risk management system and bring customs procedures in line with international standards for advance cargo notification. This will allow the UAE authorities to more effectively control the flow of goods and prevent possible violations.
For market participants, changes mean additional administrative responsibilities and the need to review existing business processes. Companies that previously did not pay enough attention to the documentary support of goods will have to significantly restructure their work. Otherwise, their goods may not be loaded onto the ship already at the shipping stage.
Failure to comply with the new requirements can lead to serious consequences, including the return of cargo to the point of departure, its transshipment to the next vessel, as well as the application of financial sanctions by the UAE customs authorities. This creates additional risks for shippers and requires increased attention to the preparation of documentation.
The new rules are a continuation of the policy of tightening customs controls in the UAE. It should be recalled that since April 2025, Dubai customs has introduced an additional requirement for transit goods in the form of a letter of guarantee from the sender confirming the correct declaration of goods.
Experts recommend that participants in foreign economic activity familiarize themselves with the new requirements in advance and make the necessary changes to their work processes in order to avoid delays and additional costs when making deliveries through the territory of the United Arab Emirates.
