Can a bill of lading be updated after initial MPCI filing?
NAIC recognizes that updating a bill of lading is a standard practice in maritime shipping. While
the initial filing must comply with the timelines, updates may occur at various stages until the shipment arrives in the UAE — and in some
cases, even after arrival. NAIC expects updates to be reasonable and consistent with operational practices.
The below outlines the types of updates typically encountered and the actions expected
from the filer:
- Corrections Updates: due to errors,
re-measurements, reweighting , or inaccurate
data (e.g., cargo
description, or shipper
details).
Submit an updated version reflecting the
changes.
- Endorsements
(Consignee
Change): Consignee may change
multiple times for
negotiable bills through
endorsements at
different stages.
Submit an updated version reflecting the new
consignee.
- Vessel/Voyage
Change: Updates to vessel or
voyage due to rerouting,
delays, or operational
changes.
Either cancel the existing bill of lading and
submit a new one, or update the same bill with
the revised vessel, voyage, or bill of lading
details.
- Consolidation
and
Deconsolidation: House bills linked to one
master bill are
reassigned to another
during transit.
- Shipping line: Submit the new master
bill of lading.
- Freight forwarder: Submit an updated
version reflecting the new master bill.
- Response to RFI
(Request for
Information): NAIC requests updates
to clarify or complete
missing/inaccurate
information.
Submit an updated version reflecting
requested changes (according to the RFI
request).
- Switch Bills: A switch bill of lading is
issued to replace the
original, reflecting
changes in consignee, or
shipper.
Submit an updated version using the same or a
different bill of lading number. Indicate this as
a switch bill update.
- Cancellation: Full cancellation due to
errors, misrouting, or
client request.
Submit a cancellation request to invalidate the
bill of lading.
- Split Bills: A shipment under one
bill of lading is split
across vessels or
voyages, affecting
master or house levels.
Details on split bill handling will be covered in
the next section.
General Considerations for Bill of Lading Updates:
- Submitting an updated version means making changes to an existing filing, while
submitting a new bill of lading creates a separate filing.
- A cancelled filing cannot be updated; a new filing is required.
- Filers cannot submit two filings with the same bill of lading number at the same time. This
restriction applies to filings from the same entity, except in cases where the previous filing
has been canceled or has expired.
- Filers can only update their own filings.
- There are no restrictions on the data elements that can be updated, but NAIC conducts
data quality checks to ensure updates are reasonable.
- NAIC expects filers to provide explanatory notes where necessary, ensuring justification
for significant updates.
The scenarios listed above reflect common cases. For any other update scenario, filers
should follow standard practices by submitting a new version of the bill of lading reflecting
the required changes