Trade advisories are dated notices from Nil Ocean Shipping about port disruptions, customs changes and lane suspensions that may affect your cargo. Each one states what changed, what it means for shipments, which lanes are affected, the official sources, and when we will review it next.
Advisories
On 19 August 2026 the UAE Government halted all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice. Nil Ocean Shipping has suspended all Iran-related services and does not accept requests involving Iran.
Since 8 March 2026 containers that carriers discharge at Khor Fakkan or Fujairah can move to Jebel Ali by bonded truck, with Jebel Ali kept as the final destination on the bill of lading. Duty and VAT are settled only when the goods are cleared at Jebel Ali, or not at all if they enter JAFZA or are re-exported.
Since about 1 March 2026 most mainline container ships have not transited the Strait of Hormuz. Cargo for Dubai and the upper Gulf now moves through ports outside the Strait plus truck, feeder or shuttle legs, with longer, less predictable transit and new surcharges.
Iraq now clears imports through ASYCUDA World and charges duty per item by HS code under Decision 957/2025. Since 10 July 2026, certificates of origin and commercial invoices must be verified electronically before a declaration is processed, and unverified declarations may be suspended.
Advisories summarise official sources and our operational experience. They are not legal advice; regulations can change at short notice.
Next step
Tell us the route and the cargo, and your coordinator will reply with an itemised quote.
