Kenya ACD (Advance Cargo Declaration) for Containerised Imports

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requires containerised cargo destined for Kenyan ports to be pre-declared through the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) platform, with a valid ACD reference code shown on the Bill of Lading before shipment.

Kenya ACD requirement

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD), a digital pre-arrival declaration system for containerised cargo. All containerised cargo shipped to Kenyan ports must be declared on the ACD system prior to loading, and a valid ACD reference code must be obtained. The code must be shown on the original Bill of Lading.

Certificate name

Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD). KRA issues an ACD reference code after the submitted documents are approved.

Scope

Applies to all containerised cargo shipped to Kenyan ports. The requirement covers shippers, carriers, vessel agents, freight forwarders, customs brokers and consignees.

Data required

Draft Bill of Lading

Commercial Invoice

Freight Invoice

Export Customs Declaration

Timing

The ACD declaration and reference code must be completed before the cargo is loaded on the vessel. Shippers are encouraged to complete system registration and test declarations well before the deadline.

Project flow

Shipper registers in the ACD platform and prepares the four required documents.

Documents are uploaded to the ACD platform for review.

Once approved, the ACD reference code is issued.

The ACD code is inserted into the original Bill of Lading before shipment.

Compliance risk. Cargo without a valid ACD code may be refused to ship or refused to discharge on arrival, and may face clearance delays or penalties. Carriers may decline to release the original B/L.