Half of logistics professionals still do not fully understand what the UAE's Maritime Preload Cargo Information (MPCI) regulation is despite the filing requirement being in effect since Aug. 1, 2025, according to a survey from Trade Tech.
With enforcement expected to begin after the March 31, the findings reveal critical gaps in awareness, systems, and operational execution across the industry.
"Whether it was the U.S. with AMS in 2002, the EU with ICS2 ENS, or Canada with eManifest, industry adoption is always late. Decades of experience has shown us that waiting to invest in proper systems until enforcement begins can leave organizations scrambling to meet requirements under tight timelines," says Bryn Heimbeck, president and co-founder of Trade Tech. "
Key takeaways:
● 67% of respondents have no system to track MPCI filing statuses such as ACT (Assessment Complete), RFI (Request for Information), or DNL (Do Not Load).
● 50% do not know who in their organization is responsible for MPCI filings.
● 56% have not briefed partners or origin agents on requirements.
● Liability understanding remains unclear across the industry.
● The MPCI program, managed by the National Advance Information Center (NAIC), requires electronic submission of containerized cargo information at least 24 hours before loading for HBLs and 6 hours for MBLs. The regulation applies to all containerized shipments to or transiting through the UAE.
