What Is MPCI?
MPCI (Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information) is a mandatory, pre-loading cargo filing requirement for all shipments entering the UAE by sea. Similar to ICS2 (EU), AMS (USA), or ACI (Canada), MPCI requires carriers and forwarders to transmit complete shipment details before cargo is loaded at the origin port.
Who Must File MPCI?
The UAE mandate places responsibility on entities controlling the shipment-level information, including:
Forwarders preparing House Bills must submit complete MPCI data before loading.
All NVOCCs issuing House Bills of Lading must complete MPCI Filing for each shipment.
Carriers are responsible for Master Bill MPCI submissions.
Shippers must provide accurate details to ensure compliant filings.
Info-X supports all stakeholder groups with fast MPCI Filing, automated validation, and 24/7 processing.
Why the UAE Introduced MPCI Filing
UAE ports like Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, and Sharjah are global trade hubs. The volume and complexity of inbound cargo have increased substantially. MPCI helps UAE authorities:
- Pre-screen shipments before loading
- Identify risky consignments earlier
- Improve port processing efficiency
- Reduce customs clearance delays
- Strengthen trade facilitation and national security
Every importer, freight forwarder, and logistics provider must now adopt MPCI Filing into their workflow.
When Is MPCI Filing Required?
The MPCI submission must be completed before vessel loading at the origin port.
Key timing requirement:
MPCI Filing must be done at least 24 hours before loading.
This means your documentation team must prepare:
- House BL information
- Master BL details
- Cargo description
- Consignee and shipper details
- HS codes
- Weight, packages, container details
- POL/POD data
Failing to file before cut-off leads to load failure.
What Data Is Required for MPCI Filing?
To complete a valid MPCI Filing, the following information must be included:
- Shipper name and address
- Consignee name and address
- Notify party
- HS codes (accurate & validated)
- Cargo description (non-generic mandated)
- Packages, weight, container details
- POL (Port of Loading)
- POD (Port of Discharge) in UAE
- Vessel/voyage
- Carrier details
- Vessel/voyage
- Container numbers
- Consolidation data
- Load & discharge ports
Info-X ensures all fields are auto-validated to avoid rejections and delays.
Common MPCI Filing Errors & How to Avoid Them
MPCI rejects data for very specific reasons. The most common mistakes include:
Terms like "spare parts," "general cargo," or "items" get rejected.
Solution: Info-X automatically checks for compliance with UAE's non-generic description requirements.
Without accurate HS codes, filings fail.
Solution: Our automated HS validation reduces tariff-code errors.
Incomplete addresses or documentation mismatches lead to holds.
Solution: Info-X verifies data consistency before submission.
If you miss the 24-hour cut-off, cargo cannot load.
Solution: Our 24/7 team ensures fast MPCI filing even on tight schedules.
MBL and HBL mismatches cause high rejection rates.
Solution: Info-X syncs HBL and MBL data automatically.
What Happens If MPCI Filing Is Not Completed?
A late or incorrect MPCI Filing can lead to:
- "Do Not Load" (DNL) status
- Cargo offloading
- Vessel rollover
- Penalties
- Delays at UAE ports
- Operational disruptions
- Increased cost implications
- Customer dissatisfaction
To avoid such risks, many forwarders rely on Info-X — the best MPCI filing company trusted by top logistics providers worldwide.
How Info-X Helps You File MPCI Fast, Accurately & Without Errors
Info-X has become the preferred MPCI Filing partner for forwarders, consolidators, and NVOCCs across the globe. Here's what makes us the leading provider:
We combine round-the-clock AI automation with expert human review to deliver fast, accurate MPCI filings in minutes. Technology speeds up the process, and people ensure precision.
We auto-check all critical elements:
- HS codes
- Cargo descriptions
- BL consistency
- Weight & container accuracy
- Mandatory UAE compliance formats
This reduces rejections significantly.
From Asia to Europe to the U.S., we support global freight forwarders through 24/7 coverage.
Our API/EDI solutions allow:
- Automated data sync
- Auto population of MPCI fields
- Faster turnaround
- Reduced manual effort
Step-by-Step: How MPCI Filing Works with Info-X
Share Shipment Data
You submit the required BL and cargo details through email, API, or portal.
Automated Validation
Our system checks every field for compliance.
MPCI Filing Submission
We file directly with the MPCI platform.
Receive Filing Confirmation
You receive a detailed filing status & approval instantly.
Ready to Submit Shipping Instruction
You can share MPCI Number to Carrier under shipping instruction.
Benefits of Choosing Info-X for MPCI Filing
Our accuracy ensures your cargo meets the MPCI pre-load requirement.
Accurate data accelerates customs screening.
We ensure non-generic description compliance, HS accuracy, and zero mismatches.
Avoid penalties and expensive delays.
Whether you process 50 or 5,000 shipments, Info-X supports your volume.
Note: Launched on July 31, 2025, the MPCI program is now in a grace period until March 31, 2026. Companies can use this time to set up their systems and filing processes. Penalties for non-compliance will apply starting April 1, 2026.
FAQs
Yes. All FCL and LCL shipments destined for the UAE require MPCI pre-load cargo filing.
Responsibility depends on the bill type, but generally: NVOCCs and forwarders file HBL MPCI, carriers file MBL MPCI, and shippers provide accurate details.
Info-X provides fast MPCI Filing with 24/7 processing, often within minutes.
Cargo receives a "Do Not Load" (DNL) status and cannot be loaded until filing is complete.
Yes. We offer EDI/API automation for seamless MPCI submissions.
Get Fast, Accurate MPCI Filing with Info-X
Avoid DNL status, penalties, and delays at UAE ports. Info-X provides 24/7 MPCI Filing with zero-error validation for forwarders, NVOCCs, and shippers.
Get your MPCI compliance plan today.