Dear Valued Customers,

In accordance with the new regulatory requirements introduced by the UAE National Advance Information Center (NAIC), we would like to inform you about the mandatory Maritime Preload Cargo Information (MPCI) Program, also known as the Advance Manifest Filing requirement.

To comply with the NAIC mandate, shipping lines must submit the import cargo manifest data electronically to UAE Customs at least 24 hours prior to the vessel's estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the Port of Loading (POL) / last foreign departure port outside the UAE.

Scope of Application This mandatory advance filing applies to all containerized maritime cargo moving into or through UAE ports, specifically encompassing the following shipment types:

• Local Import (UAE): Cargo destined for the UAE and cleared for import.

• Transshipment (UAE): Cargo discharged in the UAE and connected to a mother/feeder vessel for onward delivery to other destinations.

• Transit / FROB (Freight Remaining on Board): Cargo that stays on board the vessel and passes through the UAE without being discharged.

Customer Action Required: Strict SI Submission Deadlines

To ensure timely and accurate manifest submission to the UAE authorities and to avoid any loading delays or penalties, we request all customers to strictly adhere to the following documentation deadlines:

• Complete and Correct Shipping Instructions (SI) / B/L Draft Submission: No later than 48 hours before the vessel’s ETA at the Port of Loading (POL).

Failure to submit complete SI data within the specified deadline may result in the cargo being rolled over or "Do Not Load" instructions from UAE Customs.

Implementation of Advance Filing Surcharge

To support compliance with these stringent advance reporting requirements and to ensure a smooth, efficient documentation process, an Advance Filing Surcharge will be implemented to cover the costs associated with the preparation, processing, and EDI transmission of the required shipping information.

This surcharge will be effective from 16 October 2026 (based on vessel departure at origin) and applies as follows:

​Amendments and Penalties

Please be advised that any requests for B/L amendments, short-landing, or overlanding after the AMS submission has been completed will be subject to standard amendment fees as well as any applicable customs penalty fees imposed by the UAE authorities.

For further details on Advance Manifest Submission regulations and SI cut-off schedules, please visit our official website at:

https://www.rclgroup.com/ShipInstCutOff

We appreciate your understanding and continuous support as we implement these necessary procedures to comply with UAE national regulations.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service representative.

Sincerely,

Regional Container Lines (RCL)