Advisories Tags: Advisory

GLX & CMX Revamp; SMX Service Launch

We are pleased to announce the revamp of our existing Galaxy (GLX) and Cosmos (CMX)
services, as well as the launch of our new Sirius (SMX) service. Collectively, all three
services enhance overall Far East-Middle East connectivity, providing the widest and most
in-depth coverage in the market.

The Sirius service, named after the brightest star in the night sky, lights the way to further
connectivity between the Far East and Middle East, with a focus on serving key South
Chinese ports, viz. Nansha and Da Chan Bay.

At the same time, we have further made modifications to the GLX and CMX service rotations
by reshuffling port calls to continue creating network solutions optimised to evolving market
demands. The strategic alignment of routes has reduced transit times and increased service
frequency between regions, as well as enhanced overall network connectivity. Hamad and
Bahrain are the newest additions to our Far East-Middle East specialised services.

GLX service rotation: Busan – Qingdao – Xiamen – Da Chan Bay – Port Klang – Jebel Ali –
Dammam – Bahrain – Busan

CMX service rotation: Shanghai – Ningbo – Shekou – Singapore – Jebel Ali – Khor Fakkan – Sohar –
Port Klang – Shanghai

SMX service rotation: Nansha – Da Chan Bay – Port Klang – Jebel Ali – Hamad – Nansha

The revamped GLX and CMX services will commence on 29th October from Busan and Shanghai
respectively, while the SMX maiden voyage will begin on 8th November.

Please refer to the attached brochures for more information about the revamped GLX and CMX
services, as well as the new SMX service. Should you require further information, please visit our
website (https://www.emiratesline.com) or contact your local customer service representative.

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

Kuwait Customs Regulation – CARGO ON PALLET

Please be informed that Kuwait Customs has implemented new regulation of CARGO ON PALLET with effective from 01 August 2024.

Below is the rough translation of rule for your easy reference. Please ensure to strictly comply with the Kuwait customs requirement for smooth export and import formalities. Any consequences of incompliance will be on customers’ account.


Rough translation of Kuwait Customs’ new requirement:

Recently, it has been observed that many consignments arrive without adhering to the security and safety conditions stipulated in Customs Instructions No. 95 of 2017, as many of the cargoes are arriving loose. Therefore, the regulations are not observed as stated, i.e. the goods are packed randomly and unpalletized, which makes their handling difficult. In addition to the consequences, it entails delays and occupying a large space of yards, in addition to the exposure of the goods to damage during their inspection. This is thereby leading to difficulty of the process of extracting, inspecting, and returning these random goods, which has a negative impact on the integrity of the inspection and obstructs the employees of the Customs Administration from carrying out their duties and exercising their right to inspect, audit and inspect in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Hence for security purpose, Kuwait port authority has decided the following:

Item (1) –

  • All cargoes to be carefully and neatly palletized.
  • If cargo found NONE palletized upon custom inspection, the container/cargo will be stopped by customs.
  • Customs will issue a memo of penalizing of KD 80/- to the customer directly.
  • Only when the penalty of KD 80/- is paid, the container/cargo will be released by customs.

Item (2) –

  • Some goods are excluded from the conditions mentioned in item (1) above, which cannot be placed on pallet because of its own nature i.e., which weighs more than 2 tons or more than 2 meters in length, cargoes included but not limited to: (Pipes -heavy equipment – Cars and Vehicles – used car parts – animals and livestock – Steel -iron scrap – Prefabricated houses).

Item (3) –

  • In the event of non-compliance and violation of the provisions of Article (1), a fine of KD.80 shall be imposed in accordance with the provisions of Article (31) of the Implementing Regulations items (3-6).

Item (4) –

  • If repeated violation and non-compliance with what was stated in Item 1, a fine of KD 400 – shall be imposed in accordance with the text of Article (30) of the Executive Regulations, Clause (11), where non-compliance with the conditions contained in Clause (11) shall be considered “First” i.e., Obstructing Customs Administration employees from carrying out their duties and exercising their right to inspect, audit.

Additional remark – Number of Pallets should be manifested.
Therefore, managers are requested to inform and instruct their specialists to adhere to the above.

Issued on 24 Jul 2024
Director General of the General Administration of Customs

RTX Service

We are pleased to introduce our new Red Sea Türkiye Express (RTX) service

The weekly RTX service provides access to new export markets for customers in the Far East
and Indian Subcontinent and to import opportunities for customers in the Middle East and
East Africa. Türkiye will be connected to the expansive ESL network via key Red Sea ports, viz
Jeddah and Aqaba.

RTX service rotation: Ambarli Kumport – Izmit Korfezi – Izmir Aliaga – Jeddah – Aqaba –
Ambarli Kumport

The maiden voyage will depart from Jeddah in mid-August.

Please refer to the attached brochure for more information about the RTX service. Should you
require further information, please visit our website (https://www.emiratesline.com) or
contact your local customer service representative.

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

IFX Service

We are pleased to introduce our latest Far East Chennai Express (IFX) service. The IFX
service enhances Far East Asia coverage through direct routing between Korea and East
India, and increased frequency between North China via Qingdao, Central China via
Shanghai, and South China via Shekou. Transshipment opportunities to the Middle East,
Red Sea and East Africa are also available via Port Klang.

IFX service rotation: Busan – Qingdao – Shanghai – Shekou – Singapore – Port Klang –
Chennai – Vizag – Port Klang – Singapore – Manila – Busan

The maiden voyage will depart from Busan in early August.

Please refer to the attached brochure for more information about the IFX service. Should
you require further information, please visit our website (https://www.emiratesline.com) or
contact your local customer service representative.

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

Notice on List of SOC Banned Prefixes

Update as of 1st July 2024

ESL complies with Economic Sanctions and International Trade Controls (“Sanctions”) adopted, administered or enforced by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, the United States of America, or any other applicable competent authority or government (the “Sanctioning Authority”) including the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) Regulations https://ofac.treasury.gov/.  

To safeguard the integrity of our services, ESL stands firm in the non-acceptance of the containers that are owned by any entity subject to Sanctions by any Sanctioning Authority and the containers bearing following prefixes: 

AGIU, AKKU, ALXU, BANU, BGCU, BYTU, CBKU, CGVU, CILU, DAMU, DLRU, FCCU, FESU, FMCU, FURU, HDXU, IRSU, KGNU, KGSU, LCTU, LSLU, MAAU, MIOU, NMKU, PAPU, PARU, PESU, RSPU, RZDU, RZZU, SBAU, SSFU, SSGU, TDIU, TKRU, TPPU, TRZU, VDXU, WOSU, XANU, XBIU, XNIU

In compliance with the recent directive issued by the Malaysian Government, ESL requests its shippers that containers with the following prefixes – ZCLU, ZCSU, ZIMU, ZMOU, and ZWFU are not to be loaded onboard ESL operated vessels, with immediate effect to/from Malaysian ports.

If any containers bearing the aforementioned prefixes are found on board vessels owned or operated by ESL, we will take immediate action to have them discharged. 

Any damages, fines, costs, claims, expenses and any consequences resulted therefrom or caused through the handling of such container/s with said prefix will be solely on the slot user/ container operator’s account and full responsibility. 

Throughout this process, we aim to give as much clarity and notice as possible, but please continue to visit ESL’s website for all the latest updates. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local customer service representative.  Thank you for your full attention and compliance. 

India Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR) – Update 

 Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has recently announced the execution of parallel run Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment (SCMTR) with current manifest process effective 1st June 2024.

Starting from 1st July 2024, parallel testing must be strictly conducted for all filed manifests and any incompliance or deviation may result customs delay and penalties. Therefore, we need your immediate attention and cooperation to provide timely and accurate Shipping Instruction per below requirement with immediate effect.

Scope of SCMTR

  1. Apply to all cargoes intended for discharge, loading or transshipment at any Indian ports, and to the cargoes transiting through any Indian ports (i.e., foreign cargoes remaining on board). 
  2. Customs filings as per SCMTR regulation will also apply to any Shipping Line cargoes transiting via Indian ports on vessels without any loading or discharge in Indian Ports. Therefore, all requirements applicable in this scenario must be fulfilled, including the filing of the manifest for foreign cargo remaining on board in such cases. 

Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM) – For all containers into India:

  1. SAM must be filed in customs before vessel getting departed from Last Foreign Port of call. Example of last foreign port call per proforma schedule: Port Klang for KCIS westbound / Dar Es Salaam for GIA northbound / Dammam for SGI northbound. 
  2. In any circumstances where omission of proforma last foreign port of call, the previous port of call becomes the last foreign port of call. 
  3. Shipping Instruction must be provided at least 72 hours before departure of last foreign port of call, or the SI Cut off time provided by our POL office per local practice. 
  4. For ALL containers discharging for local or transhipment or retain on board at any Indian Ports. 
  5. Harmonized (HS) Code of 6 digits is mandatory. Only one major HS code per container is required. 
  6. Consignee and Notify Party’s IEC Code (10 digits) is mandatory for Indian actual importer (not applicable for Forwarder or NVOCC), to be shown on BL Body. 
  7. Consignee and Notify Party’s Permanent Account Number (PAN with 10 digits) is mandatory for Indian actual importer, Indian Forwarder and NVOCC, to be shown on BL Body. 
  8. The local legal identification is required wherever an Indian party is involved (as Shipper, Consignee or Notify party). 
  9. For personal goods, consignee’s Passport number instead of IEC is mandatory. 
  10. Cargo Invoice value is currently OPTIONAL on Manifest and NOT NEEDED ON OBL. 

Permission for Amendments:

General Amendments: 

  1. All amendments related to an import shipment must be received prior to 48 hours before the departure of the vessel from the last foreign port of call. 
  2. Any changes in the bill of lading information after the filing of the Import manifest with Indian customs would necessitate an amendment to the manifest and subject to approval from the Customs authorities. Such manifest amendments attract customs fines and penalties. 

Switch B/L:
The issuance of Switch B/L is permitted, but it must be completed before 72 hours of the vessel’s sailing from the last foreign port of loading before India. However, it is important to note that the Switch B/L is not feasible for containers loaded from the last foreign port of call before India due to time constraints. 

Change of destination (COD): 

  1. Change of destination (COD) will be allowed only 72 hours before the vessel departs from the last port of call. 
  2. Any changes in the bill of lading information after this deadline will lead to discrepancies in the arrival manifest. 
  3. In such cases, customs manifest amendment is inevitable, and it attracts customs fines and penalties. 
  4. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that any change of destination requests must be made within the specified timeframe to avoid complications and penalties 

Remark: Above timelines are to Indian customs. All requests are subject to the acceptance of ESL by evaluating the internal and external amendment process with customs approval. Customs amendment charge is subject to final decision by customs. 

House BL (HBL) Filing arrangement 

  1. Deadline for submission of house BLs by forwarders in India should be 72 hours prior departure of the vessel at last foreign port. 
  2. DPD, DPD/CFS, switch details to be informed to the carrier by local forwarders or consignees prior departure of the vessel at last foreign port. 

For ensuring smooth process, we will keep close liaison with concerned parties for system and process integration. We are looking forward to your kind support and get familiarized with the Regulations. Please contact our local agencies if any assistance is required.

Shipping Instruction Requirement for Export to Saudi Arabia

Referring to our previous notice of the importance of Shipping Instruction for manifesting at destination, we would like to draw your immediate attention on below mandatory requirement especially on Consignee for shipments to Saudi Arabia per customs regulations. Any non-compliance will lead to heavy penalty with multiplying tiers and clearance delay. Therefore, we sincerely request your full support and execution for accurate and complete shipping instruction to us.


Consignee: Local Consignee’s full detail of registered company name, address, email address and telephone number must be shown on BL Consignee or Notify Party Address Field for Manifest, Arrival Notice and any Emergency incidents. Any overflown content to BL Body will be rejected by Saudi Arabia Customs and counted as invalid record.


Commodity: Cargo description / quantity / package / weight must be clearly and properly provided


HS code: at least 6 digits HS code or per customs requirement


Timeliness: Shipping Instruction should be submitted at least 24 hours before vessel arriving POL or local SI Cut off time whichever earlier. BL Confirmation is also simultaneously important for meeting import manifest per regulations at destination countries.


Other requirement: based on regulations of destination countries
Incomplete or Late Shipping Instruction: Manifest will be rejected by customs. Any ROB (retain on board), penalties and administration charge will be on cargo owner’s account


We are looking forward to your collaboration for expediting import manifest and cargo delivery at destination. Please feel free to contact our local agencies if you have any queries or visit our website https://www.emiratesline.com for more information.

Global Customer Service

Emirates Shipping Line

Port of Discharge Additional (PAD) and Equipment Imbalance Surcharge (EIS) to be Collect

Please note that effective 6th May 2024, the Port of Discharge Additional (PAD) and Equipment Imbalance Surcharge (EIS) will be charged on “Collect” basis.

The quantum of the charges can be found here on the ESL Website – https://www.emiratesline.com > Services & Information > Carrier Charge finder (Carrier Charge Finder – Emirates Shipping Line – ESL)

For any questions or further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our local Sales and Customer Service Representatives. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

CIX2 Service

We are pleased to announce that effective 4th May, we will be launching our China India
Express service 2 (CIX2).

The CIX2 service further provides direct connectivity between key ports in China and in
the India Subcontinent. Via Nhava Sheva and Mundra, transshipment opportunities to the
Middle East and Red Sea are available. Customers looking to ship to and from Africa can
also tap on Port Klang as a transshipment hub.

CIX2 rotation: Xingang – Qingdao – Kaohsiung – Singapore – Port Klang – Nhava
Sheva – Mundra – Colombo – Port Klang – Singapore – Xingang

Please refer to the attached brochure for more information about the CIX2 service. Should
you require further information, please visit our website or contact your local customer
service representative.

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

Shipping Instruction Requirement for Export to UAE

Thanks for your support to ESL. We would like to inform you the Import General Manifest
(IGM) requirement of below UAE locations according to terminal customs EDI platform. We
highly appreciate your cooperation on Shipping Instruction for expediting the manifest filing and
import procedures.

Destination: Jebel Ali (AEJEA) / Khor Fakkan (AEKLF) / Sharjah (AESHJ) / AE ICD ports

Requirement:

  1. Accurate cargo description
  2. Actual cargo description to be updated at the beginning of the commodity field, not
    exceeding 200 characters which are EDI limitation to customs
  3. Please do not attach HS codes in first 200 characters in case of long cargo description
  4. For full container load, HS code for each commodity is not required by terminal customs.
  5. If HS codes and other details are expected on BL for other purposes, please input them
    after the actual cargo description for showing on BL Body.
  6. Punctuation of Quotes ( “ ” ) is restricted on BL content as it is applied to field separation
    parameter in customs EDI platform. It will lead to manifest error and rejection.

We are sincerely looking forward to your kind understanding of the policies of local authorities
at destination and your full support is critically important to us. If you have any queries and
need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our local agencies or visit our website
https://www.emiratesline.com for other details.

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line