What is UAE Maritime PLACI (MPCI)?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) program is a national security regulation requiring advance electronic submission of shipment data for all containerized maritime cargo entering, transiting, or freight remaining onboard (FROB) at UAE seaports.
What Do We Know About UAE Maritime PLACI?
The filing requirement will go live on July 31, 2025, followed by a grace period ending March 31, 2026, after which filing becomes mandatory on April 1, 2026. The rule applies to imports, transshipments, and freight remaining on board (FROB), while export shipments, bulk cargo, roll-on/roll-off, break-bulk, and empty containers are excluded.
Who Must Comply with the Regulation?
To comply with the new requirements, businesses should start by registering with the National Advance Information Center (NAIC) to obtain a MPCI Party ID through the NAIC Portal. Next, select your preferred filing channel—either file directly or use a certified Technology Service Provider (TSP) like Descartes. Once set up, submit detailed shipment data, including BoL information, party and port details, as well as container numbers, seals, and weight data. After submission, you’ll receive a response from NAIC indicating whether the shipment is approved, flagged for further review, or held pending more information. If your filing is flagged, be prepared to follow up promptly by providing updates or additional documents to address requests for information (RFI) or do not load (DNL) notices.
The Descartes Difference
Descartes is a global leader in electronic cargo security filings, empowering shippers, carriers, and forwarders to navigate complex regulatory requirements worldwide. With proven expertise supporting EU Import Control System 2 (ICS2), and U.S. Importer Security Filing (ISF) submissions, Descartes helps maritime stakeholders achieve compliance with confidence. Our MPCI solution enables seamless integration with NAIC via a certified platform, real-time monitoring of filing statuses across all parties and BoLs, as well as robust data validation and traceability. By supporting both consolidated and direct shipments, Descartes delivers trusted, scalable filing solutions to help organizations meet UAE’s maritime cargo security regulations efficiently and reliably.