Inbound Logistics | July 2025

harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) classications and product descriptions, on low-value shipments, says Don Mabry, senior vice president, global trade solutions with Inos. It’s estimated that completion and publication of this rule will occur in the third quarter of 2025 and be applicable soon after. It’s also possible the restrictions will be broadened to include other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, or eliminated for certain product categories altogether, Mabry says. Given how the exemption is being carved into chunks and the rules are becoming more complex, companies whose business models rely on it need to consider options, such as changing their sourcing or pricing strategies, he adds. 2. Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA) Under the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA), some companies that experience cyber incidents are required to report them to their user base, says David Lieberman, senior director, U.S. government relations with Bentley Systems. Shippers and logistics companies could be impacted either because they’re required to report cyber incidents that impact their operations, or because they receive notice of a breach that involves their information. Companies that have to report cyber incidents—what CIRCIA calls “covered entities”—include those that own or have business operations engaging in critical manufacturing; manufacture certain essential drugs; or own or operate a vessel or facility subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act. The rule describes several scenarios that could be considered “covered cyber incidents” that require reporting. One is a cyber attack that leads to a substantial loss of the condentiality, integrity, or availability of a covered entity’s information system or network. Another is an incident that disrupts a covered entity’s ability to engage in business or

UAE ports operate under the Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) Program, which requires cargo data submissions 24 hours before a vessel is loaded. This regulation streamlines operations and impacts all companies trading through the Middle East.

industrial operations, or to deliver goods or services. Mandatory reporting under this regulation won’t be required until the effective date kicks in, which is likely to be in September 2025, according to Baker McKenzie. However, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the organization behind this rule, encourages voluntary reporting until that time. 3. The UAE’s Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) Program The Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) Program of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) requires cargo data be submitted 24 hours before vessel loading. This requirement impacts companies with trade routes through the Middle East, says Mike Klage, vice president of NTG Supply Chain Solutions. The required data needs to be submitted beginning in July 2025, according to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. If the bill of lading is issued directly to the shipper, it needs to be submitted 24 hours before loading at the last loading port before arriving at the UAE. For consolidated shipments, the bill of lading needs to be submitted six hours before loading at the last loading port before arriving at the UAE.

Filing is required by shipping lines or their delegated shipping agents, as well as freight forwarders and NVOCCs. 4. The EU’s Digital Products Passport (DPP) This regulation will eventually require nearly all products sold in the European Union to feature a Digital Product Passport (DPP), which will include a unique product identier, compliance documentation, and information on substances of concern, among other data. The DPP is designed to close the gap between consumer demands for transparency and the current lack of reliable product data, the EU says. The regulation is expected to launch in phases starting in 2026. The DPP is not just a sustainability initiative, but an accountability system, Agyemang says. It represents a shift from compliance to lifecycle stewardship, demanding traceability for the materials that make up each product, as well as the product’s usage and disposal path. U.S. shippers selling into Europe will need to build the infrastructure to support this regulation. 5. The DOT’s English Language Requirement In May 2025, the Department of Transportation announced that it would enforce existing rules around English language requirements for truck drivers.

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