Regional Container Lines (RCL) has introduced an Advance Filing Surcharge for containerised maritime cargo entering or transiting through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following the implementation of the country’s Maritime Preload Cargo Information (MPCI) programme.
According to RCL’s customer advisory issued on October 20, 2026, the new surcharge took effect on October 16, 2026, based on the vessel’s departure date from the origin port. The charge is intended to cover the preparation, processing and electronic transmission of shipment information required by UAE authorities.
US$17 Charge Per Bill of Lading
RCL has set the Advance Filing Surcharge at US$17 per Bill of Lading (B/L). The charge applies to containerised cargo across three categories:
- UAE imports: Shipments destined for the UAE for local customs clearance.
- Transshipment cargo: Containers discharged at UAE ports and transferred to other vessels for onward delivery.
- Transit cargo: Freight passing through UAE ports while remaining onboard the vessel, including Freight Remaining on Board (FROB) shipments.
The surcharge supports compliance with the mandatory advance cargo information requirements introduced by the UAE National Advance Information Center (NAIC).
Strict Documentation Deadlines
Under the MPCI programme, shipping lines must electronically submit the required cargo manifest information to UAE Customs at least 24 hours before the vessel’s estimated arrival at the port of loading or last foreign departure port outside the UAE, as specified in the applicable requirement.
To meet this deadline, RCL requires customers to submit complete and accurate Shipping Instructions (SI) or Bill of Lading drafts at least 48 hours before the vessel’s estimated arrival at the port of loading.
The carrier has warned that late or incomplete documentation may result in cargo being rolled over to a later sailing or receiving a “Do Not Load” instruction from UAE Customs.
Additional Charges for Amendments
RCL has also clarified that requests for Bill of Lading amendments, short-landing or overlanding after the manifest has been submitted may attract standard amendment fees and any applicable customs penalties.
Exporters, freight forwarders and shipping agents are therefore advised to review documentation procedures and submit accurate shipment details within the prescribed timelines.
Implications for UAE-Bound Trade
The new surcharge adds a documentation-related cost to affected container shipments. For businesses moving cargo through UAE ports, timely submission of shipping information will be essential to avoid additional charges, loading delays and potential disruption to onward connections.
The measure highlights the growing importance of advance cargo data and digital customs compliance in international maritime logistics. Shippers using UAE ports for imports, transshipment or transit should account for the surcharge and revised documentation deadlines when planning shipments.