Requirement Took Effect on August 3
The Kenya Revenue Authority has introduced the mandatory Advance Cargo Declaration system. The rules took effect on August 3, 2026, and apply to all containerized cargo destined for discharge at Kenyan ports.
The ACD is a digital declaration containing information about the cargo, containers, vessel, exporter, shipper and consignee. It must be prepared before the container is loaded at the port of origin rather than after the vessel arrives in Kenya.
In its official implementation notice, KRA describes the platform as a digital pre-arrival cargo system. It is intended to give Customs earlier access to shipment data for document checks, risk assessment and cargo processing.
Carriers Will Validate Codes From September 1
The ACD requirement is being implemented in two stages. Since August 3, shippers have been required to obtain a valid reference code before loading and include it on the Bill of Lading.
From September 1, 2026, ocean carriers will be required to validate the number before accepting a container for loading. Only shipments supported by a valid ACD code will be eligible to board the vessel.
According to updated guidance from Maersk, a non-compliant container may be rolled to a later sailing. The importer may also face Customs penalties or other regulatory action.
Four Documents Are Required
The declaration must be obtained at the port of loading by the shipper, exporter or freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Applications are submitted through Kenya’s official ACD platform.
Applicants must upload:
- a draft Bill of Lading;
- a commercial invoice;
- a freight invoice;
- an export declaration issued in the country of origin.
The documents must be clear, readable and consistent. The draft declaration should also contain the relevant container numbers and Harmonized System codes.
Differences in cargo descriptions, quantities, weights, values, freight charges or party details may lead to correction requests and loading delays.
Reference Contains 15 Characters
After the documents are reviewed, the system generates a unique 15-character alphanumeric reference. A typical number may appear as ACDKE2026004324.
The first five characters identify the declaration and Kenya, the following four show the year, and the final six form the sequential reference number.
The code must be printed on the final Bill of Lading before the shipment departs. Obtaining a number separately and sending it only to the importer or clearing agent after the vessel has sailed is not sufficient.
Industry advisories also state that applicable fees must be paid before the declaration is finally validated. KRA’s public launch notice does not provide a single fixed price, so the current charge should be confirmed in the portal for each shipment.
Five-Day Validation Window
According to DHL’s guidance for Kenyan importers, the declaration should be validated at least five days before the vessel enters Kenyan waters.
This deadline is particularly important for short routes from Gulf ports. If the exporter receives the draft Bill of Lading or freight invoice late, there may be little time to correct discrepancies before arrival.
Importers should establish which party is responsible for the ACD under the relevant Incoterms. Even when the overseas supplier or freight forwarder submits the application, the Kenyan buyer may ultimately bear the cost of delays, storage or missed sailings.
Advance Data Should Support Faster Clearance
The system gives Customs access to cargo information before the vessel arrives. Authorities can begin checking valuation, commodity classification, routing and transaction parties while the container is still in transit.
For compliant businesses, this may reduce clearance time after discharge and limit storage, demurrage and port delays. During the initial implementation period, however, the result will depend heavily on accurate documentation and coordination between importers, suppliers, forwarders and shipping lines.
KRA’s published notice specifically covers containerized cargo destined for Kenyan seaports. Businesses handling unusual transit movements, bulk cargo, Ro-Ro shipments, road freight or air cargo should confirm whether separate requirements apply before dispatch.
