We would like to remind all our customers that ESL will be implementing the new regulatory
framework introduced by the National Advance Information Centre (NAIC) in the UAE. As
part of this requirement, Advance Manifest Cargo information must be submitted through
the “Maritime Preload Cargo Information” (MPCI) portal.
Detailed advisory on this topic released earlier can be found here – Mandatory MPCI
Compliance for UAE Shipments: Key Updates and Timelines – ESL | Emirates Shipping Line
Based on the new regulations, there are necessary changes to the “Shipping instructions”
submission process for cargo designed to or transshipping / transiting through UAE and the
responsibilities for shippers and forwarding agents.
1.Cut off Timelines for Shipping Instruction Submission:
To comply with NAIC regulations, Shipping Instructions must be submitted 2 working days
prior to the Vessel arrival at the Port of Loading.
- Applicability of “Direct or Master Bill of Lading” Declaration in Shipping Instruction
submission:
Imports into UAE – Bills of Lading must be declared as either “Direct” or “Master Bill
of Lading.”
Transshipment and In-Transit through UAE – All Bills of Lading for cargo transshipping
or transiting through UAE will be declared as “Direct Bill of Lading” (as per NAIC’s
instructions)
We have introduced a new field in ESEA effective 20th January 2026 requiring
declaration of “Direct” or “Master Bill of Lading” in the shipping instructions.
If HBL is not involved – In case you are a BCO customer, and no House Bill of Lading
(HBL) is involved, please update “Direct Bill of Lading” in the Additional
Information field in ESEA (under BL Preview Details)
We will declare the shipment to NAIC as “Direct Bill of Lading.”
When selecting ‘Direct BL’, MPCI ID will be disabled and not editable
If HBL is involved – In case you are a NVOCC/ Forwarder and HBL is involved, please
update “Master Bill of Lading” and 7-digit Alpha numeric code, e.g.: MPCI123
Maritime Preload Cargo Information (MPCI) code in the Additional Information field
in ESEA (under BL Preview Details)
We will declare the shipment to NAIC as “Master Bill of Lading.”
When selecting ‘Master BL’, MPCI ID will be mandatory for proceeding
If you are submitting your SI through other platforms such as INTTRA, Cargo Wise or EDI,
please check with those service providers regarding where the above-mentioned
information should be entered.
Please note, in absence of the required information, the Bill of Lading will be declared as
‘Direct Bill of Lading’ to NAIC.
Please note that “No Doc, No Load” policy is expected to be implemented by NAIC by March
2026.
Should you have any questions or require support regarding these new regulations, please
contact your local Customer Experience teams for more information.
Emirates Shipping Line Agencies
