We wish to inform you that the Ministry of Transport – Maritime Transport Licensing Department, State of Qatar, has issued a directive under Law No. 12 of 2012 (Reference No. MOT/LMTD/2025/193 dated 18th September 2025).
As per this directive, effective from 01 January 2026, all import and export transactions in Qatar must be conducted exclusively through Freight Forwarding Companies authorized by the Ministry of Transport.
Key Points: • For Imports: Delivery Orders and other related services can only be processed through authorized Freight Forwarders approved by the Ministry of Transport.
For Exports: Bills of Lading and related documentation must be handled through authorized Freight Forwarders approved by the Ministry of Transport.
Customers are strongly advised to review and comply with the Ministry’s directive to avoid any delays or disruptions in their import and export operations.
Important Note: This directive applies only in the following cases:
When the Consignee (for Imports) is a Freight Forwarder stated on the Bill of Lading.
When the Shipper (for Exports) is a Freight Forwarder stated on the Bill of Lading. If the Consignee (Imports) or Shipper (Exports) is the actual customer themselves, this directive will not apply.
Company Compliance: In alignment with this new regulation, our Company will strictly adhere to the Ministry of Transport’s directive. Accordingly, we will NOT entertain or process any requests from agents or freight forwarders who are not registered and approved by the Ministry of Transport (MOTC). We seek your kind understanding and cooperation in adhering to this new regulation issued by the Ministry of Transport.
Thank you. Prime Shipping Services As agents for ESL
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our local customer service and sales representatives.
Thank you for your support and partnership with ESL.
Please be advised that, in accordance with the regulatory requirements established by the Kuwait port authorities, all imports of foodstuffs into Kuwait are mandated to possess a valid health certification.
The health certificate must be issued before the shipment departs from the country of origin.
This requirement is enforced by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN), Kuwait and referenced in Ministerial Resolution No. 6 of 2023.
The certificate must confirm that the food is safe, suitable for human consumption, and complies with Kuwait’s standards.
Additionally, a related regulation from the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Kuwait highlights that:
The health certificate must be issued before the production date of the goods.
While this applies primarily to phytosanitary certificates, it reflects Kuwait’s strict stance on documentation timing.
Failing to meet this timing requirement can result in:
Rejection of the shipment at the port.
Delays in customs clearance.
Potential penalties or re-exportation costs.
These measures are mandatory and must be strictly followed to ensure compliance with Kuwait’s import regulations and to avoid any delays, penalties, or rejections at destination.
For any clarification, please contact our Kuwait office.
Thanks & Best Regards, Smart Logistic Shipping Co. WLL, Kuwait As Agents for Emirates Shipping Line
The IMO list has been updated — duplicate locations have been identified and removed.
To maintain a diverse portfolio of high-quality services for DG cargo shipments on the MEXP trade, ESL Trade Management will be revising the DG surcharge for both imports and exports to Manzanillo.
Please be informed of the upcoming revision to the IMO Surcharge quantum, applicable from all Far East, Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia ports to Manzanillo, as well as from Manzanillo to the Far East, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Middle East. This update is not limited to the regions mentioned. The revised tariff will apply from 1 November 2025, determined by the cargo’s actual departure date.
For MEXP trade, DG shipments are supported exclusively on ESL services to ensure safe and compliant handling. Feeder service corridors are not available for DG cargo.
For further information and bookings, please reach out to our local Sales and Customer Service Representatives. Alternatively, you can log in to our website https://www.emiratesline.com for all the services and schedule details.
Thank you. Trade Management Emirates Shipping Line
Following the general elections held in Tanzania on 29th October 2025, incidents of election-related unrest and violence have led the government to impose a nationwide curfew and a complete shutdown of internet, media, and social platforms.
As a result, our Tanzania office is currently unable to carry out operations, and the port has been closed until further notice.
For any urgent inquiries, please contact:
Sreeni Ram: +255 745 888 121
Pooja Hirani: +255 784 522 226
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support during this period.
To align with market practice, please note that the ECR (Emergency Cost Recovery Surcharge) for Iraq inbound shipments will be changed from Prepaid to Collect, effective for shipments with ETA on or after November 15, 2025.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our local customer service and sales representatives. Thank you for your support and partnership with ESL.
Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Terminal Handling Charges (THD for discharge) in Dammam & Jeddah for ex China shipments. The revised tariff will take effect on November 22nd, 2025, based on the actual sailing date of the cargo from China.
We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Terminal Handling Charges (THD for discharge) in Dammam & Jeddah from all origins except China. The revised tariff will take effect on November 1st, 2025, based on the actual arrival date of the cargo.
Terminal Handling Charge – Discharge Port (THD)
We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you.
Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Terminal Handling Charges (THD for discharge) in Jubail. The revised tariff will take effect on November 1st, 2025, based on the actual arrival date of the cargo.
We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Container Seal Charges (SES) for Oman exports. The revised tariff will take effect on January 1st, 2026, based on the actual arrival departure of the cargo.
We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Import Service Fee (ISE) and Container Protection Charge (CPC) in Oman. The revised tariff will take effect on January 1st, 2026, based on the actual arrival date of the cargo.