diff --git a/doc/user/zebra.rst b/doc/user/zebra.rst
index d96df0ce52..05990e2523 100644
--- a/doc/user/zebra.rst
+++ b/doc/user/zebra.rst
@@ -155,6 +155,13 @@ Standard Commands
    Set description for the interface.
 
 
+.. clicmd:: mpls enable
+
+   Enable or disable mpls kernel processing on the interface, for linux.  Interfaces
+   configured with mpls will not automatically turn on if mpls kernel modules do not
+   happen to be loaded.  This command will fail on 3.X linux kernels and does not
+   work on non-linux systems at all.
+
 .. clicmd:: multicast
 
 
diff --git a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/customize.py b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/customize.py
index 36bfdfe068..c0a5c7ad9c 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/customize.py
+++ b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/customize.py
@@ -137,22 +137,6 @@ def ltemplatePreRouterStartHook():
     if tgen.hasmpls != True:
         logger.info("MPLS not available, skipping setup")
         return False
-    # configure r2 mpls interfaces
-    intfs = ["lo", "r2-eth0", "r2-eth1", "r2-eth2"]
-    for intf in intfs:
-        cc.doCmd(tgen, "r2", "echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/mpls/conf/{}/input".format(intf))
-    # configure MPLS
-    rtrs = ["r1", "r3", "r4"]
-    cmds = ["echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/mpls/conf/lo/input"]
-    for rtr in rtrs:
-        router = tgen.gears[rtr]
-        for cmd in cmds:
-            cc.doCmd(tgen, rtr, cmd)
-        intfs = ["lo", rtr + "-eth0", rtr + "-eth4"]
-        for intf in intfs:
-            cc.doCmd(
-                tgen, rtr, "echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/mpls/conf/{}/input".format(intf)
-            )
     logger.info("setup mpls input")
     return True
 
diff --git a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r1/zebra.conf b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r1/zebra.conf
index 18f61e0c54..767e17e62c 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r1/zebra.conf
+++ b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r1/zebra.conf
@@ -3,15 +3,18 @@ log file zebra.log
 hostname r1
 !
 interface lo
+ mpls
  ip address 1.1.1.1/32
 !
 interface r1-eth0
  description to sw0
+ mpls
  ip address 10.0.1.1/24
  no link-detect
 !
 interface r1-eth4
  description to ce1
+ mpls
  ip address 192.168.1.1/24
  no link-detect
 !
diff --git a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r2/zebra.conf b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r2/zebra.conf
index dd1dbac32b..829ac969e3 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r2/zebra.conf
+++ b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r2/zebra.conf
@@ -3,20 +3,24 @@ log file zebra.log
 hostname r2
 !
 interface lo
+ mpls
  ip address 2.2.2.2/32
 !
 interface r2-eth0
  description to sw0
+ mpls
  ip address 10.0.1.2/24
  no link-detect
 !
 interface r2-eth1
  description to sw1
+ mpls
  ip address 10.0.2.2/24
  no link-detect
 !
 interface r2-eth2
  description to sw2
+ mpls
  ip address 10.0.3.2/24
  no link-detect
 !
diff --git a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r3/zebra.conf b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r3/zebra.conf
index 9dbc290243..916dabf37d 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r3/zebra.conf
+++ b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r3/zebra.conf
@@ -3,10 +3,12 @@ log file zebra.log
 hostname r3
 !
 interface lo
+ mpls
  ip address 3.3.3.3/32
 !
 interface r3-eth0
  description to sw1
+ mpls
  ip address 10.0.2.3/24
  no link-detect
 !
@@ -17,6 +19,7 @@ interface r3-eth1
 !
 interface r3-eth4
  description to ce2
+ mpls
  ip address 192.168.1.1/24
  no link-detect
 !
diff --git a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r4/zebra.conf b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r4/zebra.conf
index 415f03df51..e08ac86aec 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r4/zebra.conf
+++ b/tests/topotests/bgp_l3vpn_to_bgp_direct/r4/zebra.conf
@@ -3,15 +3,18 @@ log file zebra.log
 hostname r4
 !
 interface lo
+ mpls
  ip address 4.4.4.4/32
 !
 interface r4-eth0
  description to sw1
+ mpls
  ip address 10.0.2.4/24
  no link-detect
 !
 interface r4-eth4
  description to ce3
+ mpls
  ip address 192.168.1.1/24
  no link-detect
 !
diff --git a/zebra/if_socket.c b/zebra/if_socket.c
index 309d5a3f3e..da9fadf7c7 100644
--- a/zebra/if_socket.c
+++ b/zebra/if_socket.c
@@ -38,4 +38,15 @@ enum zebra_dplane_result kernel_intf_update(struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx)
 	return ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_FAILURE;
 }
 
+enum zebra_dplane_result
+kernel_intf_netconf_update(struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx)
+{
+	const char *ifname = dplane_ctx_get_ifname(ctx);
+	enum dplane_netconf_status_e mpls_on = dplane_ctx_get_netconf_mpls(ctx);
+
+	zlog_warn("%s:  Unable to set kernel mpls state for interface %s(%d)",
+		  __func__, ifname, mpls_on);
+
+	return ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_SUCCESS;
+}
 #endif
diff --git a/zebra/interface.c b/zebra/interface.c
index de7db2d48f..b7a984e44d 100644
--- a/zebra/interface.c
+++ b/zebra/interface.c
@@ -147,8 +147,8 @@ static int if_zebra_new_hook(struct interface *ifp)
 	zebra_if = XCALLOC(MTYPE_ZINFO, sizeof(struct zebra_if));
 	zebra_if->ifp = ifp;
 
-	zebra_if->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_UNSPEC;
-	zebra_if->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_OFF;
+	zebra_if->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_UNSPEC;
+	zebra_if->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_OFF;
 
 	zebra_if_nhg_dependents_init(zebra_if);
 
@@ -583,9 +583,9 @@ void if_add_update(struct interface *ifp)
 	if_data = ifp->info;
 	assert(if_data);
 
-	if (if_data->multicast == IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_ON)
+	if (if_data->multicast == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON)
 		if_set_flags(ifp, IFF_MULTICAST);
-	else if (if_data->multicast == IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_OFF)
+	else if (if_data->multicast == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_OFF)
 		if_unset_flags(ifp, IFF_MULTICAST);
 
 	zebra_ptm_if_set_ptm_state(ifp, if_data);
@@ -595,7 +595,7 @@ void if_add_update(struct interface *ifp)
 	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE)) {
 		SET_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE);
 
-		if (if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON) {
+		if (if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON) {
 			if (IS_ZEBRA_DEBUG_KERNEL) {
 				zlog_debug(
 					"interface %s vrf %s(%u) index %d is shutdown. Won't wake it up.",
@@ -1453,9 +1453,10 @@ static void zebra_if_netconf_update_ctx(struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx,
 		/*
 		 * mpls netconf data is neither v4 or v6 it's AF_MPLS!
 		 */
-		if (mpls == DPLANE_NETCONF_STATUS_ENABLED)
+		if (mpls == DPLANE_NETCONF_STATUS_ENABLED) {
 			zif->mpls = true;
-		else if (mpls == DPLANE_NETCONF_STATUS_DISABLED)
+			zebra_mpls_turned_on();
+		} else if (mpls == DPLANE_NETCONF_STATUS_DISABLED)
 			zif->mpls = false;
 	}
 
@@ -2908,7 +2909,7 @@ int if_multicast_set(struct interface *ifp)
 		if_refresh(ifp);
 	}
 	if_data = ifp->info;
-	if_data->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_ON;
+	if_data->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON;
 
 	return 0;
 }
@@ -2931,7 +2932,28 @@ DEFUN (multicast,
 		if_refresh(ifp);
 	}
 	if_data = ifp->info;
-	if_data->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_ON;
+	if_data->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON;
+
+	return CMD_SUCCESS;
+}
+
+DEFPY (mpls,
+       mpls_cmd,
+       "[no] mpls enable",
+       NO_STR
+       MPLS_STR
+       "Set mpls to be on for the interface\n")
+{
+	VTY_DECLVAR_CONTEXT(interface, ifp);
+	struct zebra_if *if_data = ifp->info;
+
+	if (no) {
+		dplane_intf_mpls_modify_state(ifp, false);
+		if_data->mpls = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_UNSPEC;
+	} else {
+		dplane_intf_mpls_modify_state(ifp, true);
+		if_data->mpls = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON;
+	}
 
 	return CMD_SUCCESS;
 }
@@ -2949,7 +2971,7 @@ int if_multicast_unset(struct interface *ifp)
 		if_refresh(ifp);
 	}
 	if_data = ifp->info;
-	if_data->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_OFF;
+	if_data->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_OFF;
 
 	return 0;
 }
@@ -2973,7 +2995,7 @@ DEFUN (no_multicast,
 		if_refresh(ifp);
 	}
 	if_data = ifp->info;
-	if_data->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_OFF;
+	if_data->multicast = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_OFF;
 
 	return CMD_SUCCESS;
 }
@@ -3039,7 +3061,7 @@ int if_shutdown(struct interface *ifp)
 		if_refresh(ifp);
 	}
 	if_data = ifp->info;
-	if_data->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON;
+	if_data->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON;
 
 	return 0;
 }
@@ -3064,7 +3086,7 @@ DEFUN (shutdown_if,
 		if_refresh(ifp);
 	}
 	if_data = ifp->info;
-	if_data->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON;
+	if_data->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON;
 
 	return CMD_SUCCESS;
 }
@@ -3088,7 +3110,7 @@ int if_no_shutdown(struct interface *ifp)
 	}
 
 	if_data = ifp->info;
-	if_data->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_OFF;
+	if_data->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_OFF;
 
 	return 0;
 }
@@ -3119,7 +3141,7 @@ DEFUN (no_shutdown_if,
 	}
 
 	if_data = ifp->info;
-	if_data->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_OFF;
+	if_data->shutdown = IF_ZEBRA_DATA_OFF;
 
 	return CMD_SUCCESS;
 }
@@ -3906,9 +3928,9 @@ int if_ip_address_install(struct interface *ifp, struct prefix *prefix,
 		SET_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_CONFIGURED);
 
 	/* In case of this route need to install kernel. */
-	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_QUEUED)
-	    && CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE)
-	    && !(if_data && if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON)) {
+	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_QUEUED) &&
+	    CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE) &&
+	    !(if_data && if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON)) {
 		/* Some system need to up the interface to set IP address. */
 		if (!if_is_up(ifp)) {
 			if_set_flags(ifp, IFF_UP | IFF_RUNNING);
@@ -4001,9 +4023,9 @@ static int ip_address_install(struct vty *vty, struct interface *ifp,
 		SET_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_CONFIGURED);
 
 	/* In case of this route need to install kernel. */
-	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_QUEUED)
-	    && CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE)
-	    && !(if_data && if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON)) {
+	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_QUEUED) &&
+	    CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE) &&
+	    !(if_data && if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON)) {
 		/* Some system need to up the interface to set IP address. */
 		if (!if_is_up(ifp)) {
 			if_set_flags(ifp, IFF_UP | IFF_RUNNING);
@@ -4264,9 +4286,9 @@ int if_ipv6_address_install(struct interface *ifp, struct prefix *prefix,
 		SET_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_CONFIGURED);
 
 	/* In case of this route need to install kernel. */
-	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_QUEUED)
-	    && CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE)
-	    && !(if_data && if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON)) {
+	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_QUEUED) &&
+	    CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE) &&
+	    !(if_data && if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON)) {
 		/* Some system need to up the interface to set IP address. */
 		if (!if_is_up(ifp)) {
 			if_set_flags(ifp, IFF_UP | IFF_RUNNING);
@@ -4337,9 +4359,9 @@ static int ipv6_address_install(struct vty *vty, struct interface *ifp,
 		SET_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_CONFIGURED);
 
 	/* In case of this route need to install kernel. */
-	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_QUEUED)
-	    && CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE)
-	    && !(if_data && if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON)) {
+	if (!CHECK_FLAG(ifc->conf, ZEBRA_IFC_QUEUED) &&
+	    CHECK_FLAG(ifp->status, ZEBRA_INTERFACE_ACTIVE) &&
+	    !(if_data && if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON)) {
 		/* Some system need to up the interface to set IP address. */
 		if (!if_is_up(ifp)) {
 			if_set_flags(ifp, IFF_UP | IFF_RUNNING);
@@ -4524,7 +4546,7 @@ static int if_config_write(struct vty *vty)
 			if_vty_config_start(vty, ifp);
 
 			if (if_data) {
-				if (if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON)
+				if (if_data->shutdown == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON)
 					vty_out(vty, " shutdown\n");
 
 				zebra_ptm_if_write(vty, if_data);
@@ -4574,13 +4596,14 @@ static int if_config_write(struct vty *vty)
 			}
 
 			if (if_data) {
-				if (if_data->multicast
-				    != IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_UNSPEC)
+				if (if_data->multicast != IF_ZEBRA_DATA_UNSPEC)
 					vty_out(vty, " %smulticast\n",
-						if_data->multicast
-								== IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_ON
+						if_data->multicast ==
+								IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON
 							? ""
 							: "no ");
+				if (if_data->mpls == IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON)
+					vty_out(vty, " mpls\n");
 			}
 
 			hook_call(zebra_if_config_wr, vty, ifp);
@@ -4617,6 +4640,7 @@ void zebra_if_init(void)
 	install_element(ENABLE_NODE, &show_interface_desc_vrf_all_cmd);
 	install_element(INTERFACE_NODE, &multicast_cmd);
 	install_element(INTERFACE_NODE, &no_multicast_cmd);
+	install_element(INTERFACE_NODE, &mpls_cmd);
 	install_element(INTERFACE_NODE, &linkdetect_cmd);
 	install_element(INTERFACE_NODE, &no_linkdetect_cmd);
 	install_element(INTERFACE_NODE, &shutdown_if_cmd);
diff --git a/zebra/interface.h b/zebra/interface.h
index f3f41b90c5..801078e83d 100644
--- a/zebra/interface.h
+++ b/zebra/interface.h
@@ -36,14 +36,10 @@
 extern "C" {
 #endif
 
-/* For interface multicast configuration. */
-#define IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_UNSPEC 0
-#define IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_ON     1
-#define IF_ZEBRA_MULTICAST_OFF    2
-
-/* For interface shutdown configuration. */
-#define IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_OFF    0
-#define IF_ZEBRA_SHUTDOWN_ON     1
+/* For interface configuration. */
+#define IF_ZEBRA_DATA_UNSPEC 0
+#define IF_ZEBRA_DATA_ON 1
+#define IF_ZEBRA_DATA_OFF 2
 
 #define IF_VLAN_BITMAP_MAX 4096
 
diff --git a/zebra/kernel_netlink.c b/zebra/kernel_netlink.c
index 5c8aca9691..396ccb34bd 100644
--- a/zebra/kernel_netlink.c
+++ b/zebra/kernel_netlink.c
@@ -1613,10 +1613,12 @@ static enum netlink_msg_status nl_put_msg(struct nl_batch *bth,
 
 	case DPLANE_OP_INTF_ADDR_ADD:
 	case DPLANE_OP_INTF_ADDR_DEL:
-	case DPLANE_OP_INTF_NETCONFIG:
 	case DPLANE_OP_NONE:
 		return FRR_NETLINK_ERROR;
 
+	case DPLANE_OP_INTF_NETCONFIG:
+		return netlink_put_intf_netconfig(bth, ctx);
+
 	case DPLANE_OP_INTF_INSTALL:
 	case DPLANE_OP_INTF_UPDATE:
 	case DPLANE_OP_INTF_DELETE:
diff --git a/zebra/kernel_socket.c b/zebra/kernel_socket.c
index 2741a23242..076e9c4dfa 100644
--- a/zebra/kernel_socket.c
+++ b/zebra/kernel_socket.c
@@ -1529,7 +1529,7 @@ void kernel_update_multi(struct dplane_ctx_q *ctx_list)
 {
 	struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx;
 	struct dplane_ctx_q handled_list;
-	enum zebra_dplane_result res;
+	enum zebra_dplane_result res = ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_SUCCESS;
 
 	TAILQ_INIT(&handled_list);
 
@@ -1611,9 +1611,27 @@ void kernel_update_multi(struct dplane_ctx_q *ctx_list)
 			res = ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_SUCCESS;
 			break;
 
-		default:
-			res = ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_FAILURE;
+		case DPLANE_OP_INTF_NETCONFIG:
+			res = kernel_intf_netconf_update(ctx);
 			break;
+
+		case DPLANE_OP_NONE:
+		case DPLANE_OP_BR_PORT_UPDATE:
+		case DPLANE_OP_IPTABLE_ADD:
+		case DPLANE_OP_IPTABLE_DELETE:
+		case DPLANE_OP_IPSET_ADD:
+		case DPLANE_OP_IPSET_DELETE:
+		case DPLANE_OP_IPSET_ENTRY_ADD:
+		case DPLANE_OP_IPSET_ENTRY_DELETE:
+		case DPLANE_OP_NEIGH_IP_INSTALL:
+		case DPLANE_OP_NEIGH_IP_DELETE:
+		case DPLANE_OP_NEIGH_TABLE_UPDATE:
+		case DPLANE_OP_GRE_SET:
+		case DPLANE_OP_INTF_ADDR_ADD:
+		case DPLANE_OP_INTF_ADDR_DEL:
+			zlog_err("Unhandled dplane data for %s",
+				 dplane_op2str(dplane_ctx_get_op(ctx)));
+			res = ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_FAILURE;
 		}
 
 	skip_one:
diff --git a/zebra/netconf_netlink.c b/zebra/netconf_netlink.c
index f9cb37a3cf..56f56bfe66 100644
--- a/zebra/netconf_netlink.c
+++ b/zebra/netconf_netlink.c
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
 
 #include "linux/netconf.h"
 
+#include "lib/lib_errors.h"
 #include "zebra/zebra_ns.h"
 #include "zebra/zebra_dplane.h"
 #include "zebra/kernel_netlink.h"
@@ -185,4 +186,56 @@ int netlink_request_netconf(int sockfd)
 	return netlink_request(nls, &req);
 }
 
+extern struct zebra_privs_t zserv_privs;
+/*
+ * Currently netconf has no ability to set from netlink.
+ * So we've received a request to do this work in the data plane.
+ * as such we need to set the value via the /proc system
+ */
+enum netlink_msg_status netlink_put_intf_netconfig(struct nl_batch *bth,
+						   struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx)
+{
+	const char *ifname = dplane_ctx_get_ifname(ctx);
+	enum dplane_netconf_status_e mpls_on = dplane_ctx_get_netconf_mpls(ctx);
+	char set[64];
+	char mpls_proc[PATH_MAX];
+	int fd, ret = FRR_NETLINK_ERROR;
+
+	snprintf(mpls_proc, sizeof(mpls_proc),
+		 "/proc/sys/net/mpls/conf/%s/input", ifname);
+
+	if (mpls_on == DPLANE_NETCONF_STATUS_ENABLED)
+		snprintf(set, sizeof(set), "1\n");
+	else if (mpls_on == DPLANE_NETCONF_STATUS_DISABLED)
+		snprintf(set, sizeof(set), "0\n");
+	else {
+		flog_err_sys(
+			EC_LIB_DEVELOPMENT,
+			"%s: Expected interface %s to be set to ENABLED or DISABLED was %d",
+			__func__, ifname, mpls_on);
+		return ret;
+	}
+
+	frr_with_privs (&zserv_privs) {
+		fd = open(mpls_proc, O_WRONLY);
+		if (fd < 0) {
+			flog_err_sys(
+				EC_LIB_SOCKET,
+				"%s: Unable to open %s for writing: %s(%d)",
+				__func__, mpls_proc, safe_strerror(errno),
+				errno);
+			return ret;
+		}
+		if (write(fd, set, 2) == 2)
+			ret = FRR_NETLINK_SUCCESS;
+		else
+			flog_err_sys(EC_LIB_SOCKET,
+				     "%s: Unsuccessful write to %s: %s(%d)",
+				     __func__, mpls_proc, safe_strerror(errno),
+				     errno);
+		close(fd);
+	}
+	return ret;
+}
+
 #endif	/* HAVE_NETLINK */
diff --git a/zebra/netconf_netlink.h b/zebra/netconf_netlink.h
index 3f2e7af768..1b3450bcb5 100644
--- a/zebra/netconf_netlink.h
+++ b/zebra/netconf_netlink.h
@@ -38,6 +38,10 @@ extern int netlink_netconf_change(struct nlmsghdr *h, ns_id_t ns_id,
 /* Request info from the host OS. */
 int netlink_request_netconf(int sockfd);
 
+struct nl_batch;
+
+extern enum netlink_msg_status
+netlink_put_intf_netconfig(struct nl_batch *bth, struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx);
 
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 }
diff --git a/zebra/rt.h b/zebra/rt.h
index 4952c3eb1a..0a86a2897c 100644
--- a/zebra/rt.h
+++ b/zebra/rt.h
@@ -69,6 +69,9 @@ kernel_pbr_rule_update(struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx);
 extern enum zebra_dplane_result
 kernel_intf_update(struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx);
 
+extern enum zebra_dplane_result
+kernel_intf_netconf_update(struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx);
+
 #endif /* !HAVE_NETLINK */
 
 extern int kernel_neigh_update(int cmd, int ifindex, void *addr, char *lla,
diff --git a/zebra/zebra_dplane.c b/zebra/zebra_dplane.c
index a4330a3200..4c7838198e 100644
--- a/zebra/zebra_dplane.c
+++ b/zebra/zebra_dplane.c
@@ -509,6 +509,8 @@ static struct zebra_dplane_globals {
 
 	_Atomic uint32_t dg_intf_addrs_in;
 	_Atomic uint32_t dg_intf_addr_errors;
+	_Atomic uint32_t dg_intf_changes;
+	_Atomic uint32_t dg_intf_changes_errors;
 
 	_Atomic uint32_t dg_macs_in;
 	_Atomic uint32_t dg_mac_errors;
@@ -3913,6 +3915,47 @@ dplane_br_port_update(const struct interface *ifp, bool non_df,
 	return result;
 }
 
+enum zebra_dplane_result
+dplane_intf_mpls_modify_state(const struct interface *ifp, bool set)
+{
+	enum zebra_dplane_result result = ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_FAILURE;
+	struct zebra_dplane_ctx *ctx;
+	struct zebra_ns *zns;
+	int ret = EINVAL;
+
+	ctx = dplane_ctx_alloc();
+	ctx->zd_op = DPLANE_OP_INTF_NETCONFIG;
+	ctx->zd_status = ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_SUCCESS;
+	ctx->zd_vrf_id = ifp->vrf->vrf_id;
+	strlcpy(ctx->zd_ifname, ifp->name, sizeof(ctx->zd_ifname));
+
+	zns = zebra_ns_lookup(ifp->vrf->vrf_id);
+	dplane_ctx_ns_init(ctx, zns, false);
+
+	ctx->zd_ifindex = ifp->ifindex;
+	if (set)
+		dplane_ctx_set_netconf_mpls(ctx, DPLANE_NETCONF_STATUS_ENABLED);
+	else
+		dplane_ctx_set_netconf_mpls(ctx,
+					    DPLANE_NETCONF_STATUS_DISABLED);
+	/* Increment counter */
+	atomic_fetch_add_explicit(&zdplane_info.dg_intf_changes, 1,
+				  memory_order_relaxed);
+
+	ret = dplane_update_enqueue(ctx);
+
+	if (ret == AOK)
+		result = ZEBRA_DPLANE_REQUEST_QUEUED;
+	else {
+		/* Error counter */
+		atomic_fetch_add_explicit(&zdplane_info.dg_intf_changes_errors,
+					  1, memory_order_relaxed);
+		dplane_ctx_free(&ctx);
+	}
+
+	return result;
+}
+
 /*
  * Enqueue interface address add for the dataplane.
  */
@@ -4900,6 +4943,13 @@ int dplane_show_helper(struct vty *vty, bool detailed)
 	vty_out(vty, "Intf addr updates:        %"PRIu64"\n", incoming);
 	vty_out(vty, "Intf addr errors:         %"PRIu64"\n", errs);
 
+	incoming = atomic_load_explicit(&zdplane_info.dg_intf_changes,
+					memory_order_relaxed);
+	errs = atomic_load_explicit(&zdplane_info.dg_intf_changes_errors,
+				    memory_order_relaxed);
+	vty_out(vty, "Intf change updates:        %" PRIu64 "\n", incoming);
+	vty_out(vty, "Intf change errors:         %" PRIu64 "\n", errs);
+
 	incoming = atomic_load_explicit(&zdplane_info.dg_macs_in,
 					memory_order_relaxed);
 	errs = atomic_load_explicit(&zdplane_info.dg_mac_errors,
diff --git a/zebra/zebra_dplane.h b/zebra/zebra_dplane.h
index d940bd9568..c96ea40094 100644
--- a/zebra/zebra_dplane.h
+++ b/zebra/zebra_dplane.h
@@ -690,6 +690,8 @@ enum zebra_dplane_result dplane_lsp_notif_update(struct zebra_lsp *lsp,
 enum zebra_dplane_result dplane_pw_install(struct zebra_pw *pw);
 enum zebra_dplane_result dplane_pw_uninstall(struct zebra_pw *pw);
 
+enum zebra_dplane_result
+dplane_intf_mpls_modify_state(const struct interface *ifp, const bool set);
 /*
  * Enqueue interface address changes for the dataplane.
  */
diff --git a/zebra/zebra_mpls.c b/zebra/zebra_mpls.c
index caac3e3230..ade381e27f 100644
--- a/zebra/zebra_mpls.c
+++ b/zebra/zebra_mpls.c
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ DEFINE_MTYPE_STATIC(ZEBRA, LSP, "MPLS LSP object");
 DEFINE_MTYPE_STATIC(ZEBRA, FEC, "MPLS FEC object");
 DEFINE_MTYPE_STATIC(ZEBRA, NHLFE, "MPLS nexthop object");
 
-int mpls_enabled;
+bool mpls_enabled;
 bool mpls_pw_reach_strict; /* Strict reachability checking */
 
 /* static function declarations */
@@ -1748,14 +1748,9 @@ static int lsp_cmp(const struct zebra_lsp *lsp1, const struct zebra_lsp *lsp2)
 /*
  * Initialize work queue for processing changed LSPs.
  */
-static int mpls_processq_init(void)
+static void mpls_processq_init(void)
 {
 	zrouter.lsp_process_q = work_queue_new(zrouter.master, "LSP processing");
-	if (!zrouter.lsp_process_q) {
-		flog_err(EC_ZEBRA_WQ_NONEXISTENT,
-			 "%s: could not initialise work queue!", __func__);
-		return -1;
-	}
 
 	zrouter.lsp_process_q->spec.workfunc = &lsp_process;
 	zrouter.lsp_process_q->spec.del_item_data = &lsp_processq_del;
@@ -1763,8 +1758,6 @@ static int mpls_processq_init(void)
 	zrouter.lsp_process_q->spec.completion_func = &lsp_processq_complete;
 	zrouter.lsp_process_q->spec.max_retries = 0;
 	zrouter.lsp_process_q->spec.hold = 10;
-
-	return 0;
 }
 
 
@@ -4061,12 +4054,23 @@ void zebra_mpls_init_tables(struct zebra_vrf *zvrf)
 	zvrf->mpls_srgb.end_label = MPLS_DEFAULT_MAX_SRGB_LABEL;
 }
 
+void zebra_mpls_turned_on(void)
+{
+	if (!mpls_enabled) {
+		mpls_processq_init();
+		mpls_enabled = true;
+	}
+
+	hook_register(zserv_client_close, zebra_mpls_cleanup_fecs_for_client);
+	hook_register(zserv_client_close, zebra_mpls_cleanup_zclient_labels);
+}
+
 /*
  * Global MPLS initialization.
  */
 void zebra_mpls_init(void)
 {
-	mpls_enabled = 0;
+	mpls_enabled = false;
 	mpls_pw_reach_strict = false;
 
 	if (mpls_kernel_init() < 0) {
@@ -4075,9 +4079,5 @@ void zebra_mpls_init(void)
 		return;
 	}
 
-	if (!mpls_processq_init())
-		mpls_enabled = 1;
-
-	hook_register(zserv_client_close, zebra_mpls_cleanup_fecs_for_client);
-	hook_register(zserv_client_close, zebra_mpls_cleanup_zclient_labels);
+	zebra_mpls_turned_on();
 }
diff --git a/zebra/zebra_mpls.h b/zebra/zebra_mpls.h
index a8c4e1a60c..a7a955a80b 100644
--- a/zebra/zebra_mpls.h
+++ b/zebra/zebra_mpls.h
@@ -394,6 +394,13 @@ void zebra_mpls_close_tables(struct zebra_vrf *zvrf);
  */
 void zebra_mpls_init_tables(struct zebra_vrf *zvrf);
 
+/*
+ * If mpls is turned on *after* FRR is brought
+ * up let's actually notice this and turn on
+ * the relevant bits to make it work.
+ */
+void zebra_mpls_turned_on(void);
+
 /*
  * Global MPLS initialization.
  */
@@ -569,7 +576,7 @@ static inline int mpls_should_lsps_be_processed(struct route_node *rn)
 }
 
 /* Global variables. */
-extern int mpls_enabled;
+extern bool mpls_enabled;
 extern bool mpls_pw_reach_strict; /* Strict pseudowire reachability checking */
 
 #ifdef __cplusplus
diff --git a/zebra/zebra_nhg.c b/zebra/zebra_nhg.c
index 660ac1f102..c5b533fc22 100644
--- a/zebra/zebra_nhg.c
+++ b/zebra/zebra_nhg.c
@@ -1613,9 +1613,6 @@ void zebra_nhg_free(struct nhg_hash_entry *nhe)
 
 	THREAD_OFF(nhe->timer);
 
-	if (nhe->refcnt)
-		zlog_debug("nhe_id=%pNG hash refcnt=%d", nhe, nhe->refcnt);
-
 	zebra_nhg_free_members(nhe);
 
 	XFREE(MTYPE_NHG, nhe);