Are You Ready for the UAE’s New Cargo Information Rules?

I know I am a "warehouse" guy, but when I recently heard about a new cargo security requirement for shipments arriving in the UAE, I was honestly surprised. Even after working for one of the biggest ocean carriers, I had never come across this upcoming rule in any conversation with my colleague’s. When I started asking around in my network, it turned out I was not the only one who had not heard about it.

Here is what you need to know.

Starting July 2025, the UAE will introduce new cargo security regulations under the Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) Program, managed by the National Advance Information Center (NAIC), part of the Federal Authority for

From then on, containerized cargo information must be submitted electronically at least 24 hours before the vessel leaves its last foreign port heading to the UAE. This is a mandatory process and not just an extra step.

Document submissions officially start in July 2025.

With the July deadline fast approaching, it’s essential to make sure your operations are ready for the new cargo requirements.

If you don’t have a system in place to support your filing yet, feel free to contact me.

Find more information about the upcoming ruling on the site of the ICP:

https://naic.icp.gov.ae/portal/mpci/info