MPCI Filing Deadlines: What Every Shipper Needs to Know

Introduction 

 

In global trade, deadlines are everything. Missing one can mean shipment holds, regulatory fines, and disappointed customers waiting at destination ports. 

With the UAE’s new Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) program now live, filing deadlines aren’t just best practice—they’re a legal requirement. Here’s what every shipper, forwarder, and carrier must know about MPCI timelines. 

 

What is MPCI Filing? 

 

MPCI is the UAE’s advance cargo information system, designed to: 

 

• Strengthen security by pre-screening inbound shipments. 

• Accelerate customs clearance by giving authorities data in advance. 

• Align with global standards like AMS (U.S.), ACI (Canada), ENS (EU), and AFR (Japan). 

 

It applies to: 

 

• Shipping lines and their agents (master filings) 

• Freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and co-loaders (house filings) 

• Imports, transshipments, and FROB cargo headed to or via the UAE 

 

The Two Deadlines That Matter 

 

1. Regulatory Cut-Off (Hard Rule) 

• When: At least 24 hours before vessel departure from the last foreign load port bound for the UAE. 

• Why: This is the legal requirement. Late submissions can trigger RFIs (Requests for Information), holds, or penalties (if any). 

 

2. Carrier SI Cut-Off (Working Deadline) 

• When: Typically 72 hours before ETD at the compliance load port. 

• Why: Carriers need time to process SIs and transmit MPCI filings. Missing this deadline often means missing the sailing. 

 

💡 Pro Tip: Plan around the T-72h SI cut-off to safeguard against the T-24h filing rule. 

 

Why Filing Early is Safer 

 

• RFIs take time – corrections after cut-off can derail your shipment. 

• Carrier systems aren’t instant – SI processing adds lag. 

• Last-minute changes snowball – consignee or BL adjustments can be messy under deadline pressure. 

 

Filing early gives you a safety buffer. 

 

Consequences of Missing Deadlines 

 

• Shipment roll-overs and missed sailings 

• Storage, demurrage, and rebooking costs 

• Regulatory penalties under UAE customs law 

• Reputation risk with waiting consignees 

 

Timeline You Can’t Forget 

 

Program live: July 31, 2025 

Grace period ends: March 31, 2026 
⏳ Use this grace period to adapt your workflows—strict enforcement kicks in from April 2026. 

 

FAQs on MPCI Deadlines 

 

Q1. What exactly is the T-24h rule? 
It’s the regulatory cut-off: cargo data must be filed with NAIC no later than 24 hours before vessel departure from the last foreign port to the UAE. 

Q2. Why do carriers ask for SIs 72 hours in advance? 
Because they need time to validate, align with house BLs, and transmit MPCI filings well before the legal cut-off. 

Q3. What happens if I amend data after filing? 
Amendments are allowed, but late changes increase the risk of RFIs or shipment delays. 

Q4. Does the rule apply to transshipments? 
Yes. The compliance load port is the last load port before UAE, even if it’s a transshipment hub. 

 

Final Thoughts 

 

Deadlines aren’t just numbers—they’re the difference between smooth clearance and shipment chaos. By respecting the T-72h SI cut-off and the T-24h regulatory filing rule, you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and keep cargo moving seamlessly. 

 

Get MPCI Ready with ODeX 

 

ODeX helps you: 

• Validate BL data in real-time 

• Get deadline alerts and reminders 

• Transmit filings via secure API connectivity 

 

👉 Contact us at mpci.uae@odexglobal.com to make sure your MPCI filings are always on time.