Advisories Tags: Advisory

Change of Licensing Authority and Company Name Suffix

Dear Valued Customers and Partners,

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support thus far, and to share the
latest update regarding a recent change in our company name suffix.

The operating license of Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has been transferred from Dubai
Maritime City (DMC) to the jurisdiction of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA). The
change is with effect from 13th December 2023.

Our company suffix will thereby change, and our company name moving forward will
be EMIRATES SHIPPING LINE FZE (formerly, EMIRATES SHIPPING LINE
DMCEST).

Please note, this is a legal name change only and should have minimal impact on you and
your business.

The changing of our licensing authority and the company suffix does not necessitate any
modification of existing contracts and agreements, and remittances can still be carried out
with the old suffix, as per existing contracts.

Our website and future contracts will be updated, and instances where the full company
name is displayed will have the new suffix.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and look forward to continuing our partnership
with ESL. Please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service and Sales
representatives in case of any further queries or concerns.

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

FAQ

What is the change?
With effect from 13th December 2023, the licensing authority of Emirates Shipping Line has
been transferred from Dubai Maritime City to Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority.

Why are we changing the licensing authority?
In line with the Decree (No.3) of 2023 issued by Govt. of Dubai

How does it impact customers?
This is a name change only and should have minimal impact on our customers.

  • Our products and services delivered are unchanged
  • Our contracts are unchanged
  • Company codes and bank accounts are unchanged
  • Rights and obligations area unchanged

Will customers get a new contract?
Since this is a name change only, contracts including all terms and conditions, otherwise
remain unchanged. The new name will be updated in future contracts, but existing contracts
do not need to be amended.

What changes do customers need to make on their side?
Customers will need to update their internal systems to reflect the correct name and suffix.

What happens to the Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading will be updated to reflect the new company name and suffix. It will also
make a reference to the previous company name and suffix to avoid any disputes.

Will invoices be issued under the new name?
Invoices previously sent by Emirates Shipping Line will reflect the new name and suffix. Bank
account numbers and code will remain the same. Though remittances can still be carried out
with the old suffix, as per existing contracts, we encourage customers to update their records
with the new suffix.

Will the SCAC code change?
The SCAC code remains unchanged, and customers should continue to use the existing
SCAC code.

IRC service launch

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new service – the India Red Sea Connector
(IRC).

The India Red Sea Connector (IRC) connects key ports in India with main ports in the Red
Sea viz. Jeddah and Sokhna. Customers can tap into Jebel Ali as a transshipment hub, to
gain access to markets in Asia via the ESL network. The service’s first voyage will begin
on the 2nd of March.

IRC service rotation: Mundra – Nhava Sheva – Jebel Ali – Jeddah – Sokhna – Jeddah –
Jebel Ali – Mundra

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

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

GPS & JBX service launches

We are pleased to announce the launch of 2 new services – the Gulf Pakistan Shuttle
(GPS) and the Jebel Ali Bahrain Express (JBX).

The Gulf Pakistan Shuttle (GPS), an upgrade from our earlier JBS service, provides direct
access between Pakistan, Shuwaikh and Dammam, as well as to the transshipment hub in
Jebel Ali, with further connections to the ESL network in Asia, the Red Sea and East
Africa. The service’s first voyage will begin on the 6th of February.

The Jebel Ali Bahrain Express (JBX) service, which commences on the 15th of February, is an
exclusive weekly shuttle between Jebel Ali and Bahrain. Bahraini customers can utilise Jebel Ali
as a transshipment hub, and tap into wider markets in Asia, the Red Sea, the Indian
Subcontinent and Africa.

GPS service rotation: Jebel Ali – Karachi – Jebel Ali – Kuwait – Dammam – Jebel Ali
JBX service rotation: Jebel Ali – Bahrain – Jebel Ali

Please refer to the attached brochures for more information about each service. For more
information, please visit our website (https://www.emiratesline.com) or contact your local
customer service representative.

Service detail, Schedules and Transit times have been updated and posted on our website:

GPS service: https://www.emiratesline.com/gulf-pakistan-shuttle-gps/

JBX service: https://www.emiratesline.com/jebel-ali-bahrain-express-jbx/

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

GLX Service Revamp

We are pleased to announce that effective 14th February, ESL’s flagship GALEX service
will offer enhanced coverage in the Middle East.

The GLX service will provide direct connections between key Chinese ports and the
newest addition – the dynamic Saudi Arabian maritime hub of Dammam. In addition, the
modified port rotation reduces transit time between key ports in China and Jebel Ali, as
well as ensures continued coverage into Sohar, Oman and Khor Fakkan, UAE.

GALEX service rotation: Busan – Qingdao – Shanghai – Xiamen – Da Chan Bay – Port
Klang – Jebel Ali – Dammam – Khor Fakkan – Sohar – Port Klang – Busan.

Please refer to the attached brochure for more information about the GLX service. For
more information, please visit our website (www.emiratesline.com) or contact your local
customer service representative.

Service detail, Schedules and Transit times have been updated and posted on our
website: https://www.emiratesline.com/galex-service-glx/

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

Revision of Delivery Order Fee, India effective from 1st Feb 2024

Please be informed that with effective from 1st February 2024 the quantum of Delivery Order Fee at
INDIA will be revised to the new quantum as advised below: –

*** The effective date for Import to be based on “ETA at POD” ***

Please contact our local Sales and Customer Service Representatives for details and bookings.

Global Customer Service
Emirates Shipping Line

Saudi Arabia – Mandatory Usage of Pallets for Import Containers

In order to increase the efficiency and productivity of port operations in line with international standards, the Saudi Ports Authority has issued a Circular No: (31) of 2021 regulating cargo owners to stow goods imported in containers into Saudi Arabia with the use of PALLETS.

According to the circular, effective 1st March 2022, per discharge, all Customers shall pack their goods in a (pallets) for all import containers as Mandatory, with following exception:

  1. Bulk items, Dry or liquid that carried directly the special means such as (wheat, grains, cement, Gypsum, and petroleum items etc.)
  2. Raw materials in Jumbo in big weighs that hardly to be put in pallet
  3. Heavy equipment and producing lines, electric generators and mechanics
  4. Metallic productions that come in big rolls and other items that hardly to be put in pallets such as (cartons, carpet and relevant)
  5. Iron skewer & big pipes and scaffoldings
  6. General Furniture
  7. Pneumatic outer tires
  8. Marble, granite and stones

Any incompliance may cause discharge problem leading to extra operational costs, customs penalty, local charges and our Line Administration Fee which will be on cargo owner’s account.

For import manifest, actual packing type (such as carton, bag etc) is still required as current. If you want to also include number of pallets on BL, please clearly specify on Shipping Instruction (such as 1,000 cartons on 50 pallets).

We look forward to your continuous cooperation and support. Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact our local office for details.

Thank you.

Full implementation of Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) – Effective 22nd October 2021

We would like to reiterate the mandatory regulations levied by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on manifests as shared by us 26 October 2021. Request your co-operation by giving timely and complete Shipping Instruction to us for manifest submission via iCMS.

Highlights of iCMS Specific Requirements:

1. Effective date of iCMS: For imports discharged on / after 22nd October 2021

2. Applied to: Sea manifest of Import / Export / Through bill of lading (TBL) and In Transit via Mombasa

3. Manifest submission: through iCMS at least 48 hours before vessel arrival for import.

4. Consignment with vehicles: Shipper must include Chassis No, Engine No, Weight, CBM, HS codes and detailed breakdown per container on BL Body.

    Example:
    TOTAL 6 PACKAGES
    MAHINDRA HAULMASTER 4WD TRACTOR FOR AGRICULTURE PURPOSE
    HS CODE: 87012090

    1×40 DRYU9886905

    PIN / Chassis No.Engine No.Weight (kg)CBMHS Code
    MDZRB4GGJM6H50106NME5WEE000710,11315.0087012090
    MDZRB4GGHM6J50125NME5WEE000510,11315.0087012090
    MDZRB4GGAM6J50140NME5WEE000310,11315.0087012090

    1×40 FCIU8739954

    PIN / Chassis No.Engine No.Weight (kg)CBMHS Code
    MDZRB4GGVM6G50008NMD5WEE000410,11315.0087012090
    MDZRB4GGCM6G50010NMD5WEE000210,11315.0087012090
    MDZRB4GGAM6H50028NME5WEE000310,11315.0087012090

    5. General cargo shipment: predominant HS code per container is a must.

    6. 10-digit HS code is mandatory. If only 6 or 8 digits are identified, please add zero (0) to the end to make it exactly 10-digit for iCMS.

    7. HS code is mandatory for manifest but optional on BL Body for general cargo. Please specify in the Shipping Instructions if HS code is expected on BL Body.

    8. Part Lot BLs (i.e. Multiple BLs for single container): Restricted with immediate e ect for Kenya Import and In transit due to KPA regulation.

    9. DG Class / UNNO on BL Body: mandatory on BL Body for iCMS

    Please coordinate with your counterparts for full adherence. Any failure may cause loading / discharge problem and customs penalty which will be on cargo owner’s account.

    Please contact our local agencies if any assistance is required. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

    VGM vs BL Container Gross Weight Mandatory Match

    In compliance with IMO’s SOLAS VGM regulations and various countries’ customs requirements, we would like to draw your attention to the necessary matching between VGM vs BL Container Gross Weight.

    For all locations:

    • BL & Manifest Container Gross Weight MUST match with VGM
    • General tolerance level is +/- 5% or one metric ton whichever smaller
    • Different countries / terminals may have different tolerance index
    • VGM and Container Gross Weight should not exceed Maximum Gross Weight per CSC
      Plate bolted to Container Door
    • Any incompliance may lead to extra operational costs, customs penalties, local
      charges and our Line Administration Fee of USD300 per box

    We look forward to your continuous cooperation. Please contact our local Customer Service team if any assistance is needed.

    Global Customer Service
    Emirates Shipping Line

    SCT Single Customs Territory and New Requirement for TBL UGANDA

    Thanks for your support to our EAFA service. Regarding our previous notice on Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Single Customs Territory System for ALL cargoes to Uganda via Mombasa, Kenya effective in 2017, local authority is recently imposing further requirement per below in yellow. We appreciate your cooperation for Through Bill of Lading shipments to Kampala, Uganda.

    • All cargoes coming to Uganda will now be cleared under SCT through URA
    • Final clearance for Uganda-bound cargo will be done in Mombasa port (including verification, duty payment etc.)
    • It may take longer time to clear at Mombasa because of all extra steps for final clearance
    • Smoother movement at the border
    • Processing time will be improved in long run
    • Original documents scanned individually in PDF form, in a size not more than 450kb, to KEMBA office at least 7 days prior to vessel arrival.

    List of Requirements (Additional effective from 17 June 2020)

    • Bill of lading,
      • Commercial invoice,

      • Packing list, (with supplementary units i.e. pcs/ Liters etc. packages/cartons, Gross & Net weight per Carton/Item)

      • (PVOC) Certificate of Conformity COC

      • Proof of payment (T/T, Letter of credit, sales agreement)

      • Freight Certificate & insurance values / Certificate (if not included on the invoice)

      • Online appointment. (By Consignee or his agent in Uganda)

      • ICD allocation (By Consignee or his agent in Uganda)

      • Fumigation certificate (For used clothing)

      • Phytosanitary/Health certificates (for rice, wheat & food products)

      • Vehicle export certificate (for vehicles, tractors and engineering plants)
    • Shippers to engage consignees for maximum cooperation and timely action as
      consignees will play a bigger sensitive part once all documents are received and in order.
    • Online appointments to respective TBL Vendor’s TIN and nomination of the ICD timely done by consignee or their agents (By Consignee or his agent in Uganda).
    • For motor vehicles; Additional documents including Motor vehicle export logbook + Certificate Of Conformity and vehicle details including: Make, Model, chassis Numbers, Engine Numbers, Year of manufacture, Color, CC, Size of Tires, Fuel Type, Gross weight, Net Weight, seating capacity.
    • Transit cargo is allowed up to a maximum of 9 days free of storage days by KPA & hence any delays in adhering to SCT requirements will result into storage and other related charges, to the account of customers.
    • Attached list of Service Providers is only for reference and final version must be based on official website of URA. https://unbs.go.ug/

    If you have any queries, please feel free to contact our local Sales and CS representatives for assistance.
    Thank you.

    Tanzania – Empty Container Return in Clean Condition

    With reference to the circular from TASAC (Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation), it is regulated that shipping lines cannot impose container cleaning charge for empty boxes returned by customers. The local authority has given below directives with effective 31st October 2019. We highly appreciate the full support of your good company for the strict compliance with immediate effect.

    Clearing and forwarding agents shall return empty containers to ECD (depots) in clean condition in order to safeguard export cargo from Tanzania and any cleaning activity shall be arranged by individual clearing and forwarding agent or cargo owner;
    ECDs shall ensure containers are returned in clean condition before accepting them into the yard; and
    Shipping agents and ECDs shall not collect container cleaning charges from clearing and forwarding agents or cargo owners in the absence of Board Order to approve tariff for container cleaning or any similar services

    For your best reference and arrangement per the basic standard of our company, a container shall be considered clean if there is no presence of:

    • Labels, marks or signs related to previous cargo, including hazardous cargo labels
    • Loose soil, sand, mud, dirt, cargo residue, animals, insects, dunnage or other general rubbish
    • Infestation by animals, insects, fungi or another living organism
    • Cargo securing devices such as metal or wire straps, cables, chains, string, rope, etc.
    • Tape plastic and/or any other material
    • Glue or adhesive or any other sticky material on walls, floor, ceilings, etc.
    • Nails, bolts or any other fixing devices protruding above the level of the floor
    • Any persistent, obnoxious or unpleasant odours in the container
    • Marks, stains or contaminations, including hydraulic fluid from cargo handling equipment & potentially hazardous contaminations
    • Loose sealant, internally in reefers

    Please coordinate with your clearing and forwarding agents for the necessary arrangement and ensure the empty container return in clean and sound condition so as to avoid any delay in process. If you have any queries, please contact our local Customer Service and Sales for assistance.