Importers, exporters and shipping firms moving containerised cargo to Kenya will now be required to complete a new pre-shipment customs process after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) made the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) mandatory for all containerised sea cargo destined for the country from August 3, 2026. The move means every shipment must have an ACD reference number before it is loaded onto a vessel, as part of efforts to improve cargo tracking, customs clearance and cross-border trade.
KRA said the new digital platform allows shippers to submit cargo information before goods leave the port of origin, enabling customs officials to receive and review shipment details before vessels arrive at Kenyan ports.
The tax authority said the Advance Cargo Declaration, also known internationally as the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN), Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons (BSC) or Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons (BESC), is an electronic system through which prescribed cargo information is submitted before goods begin their journey.
According to KRA, the declaration captures important details about the cargo, vessel, exporter and shipment before transportation starts. After the information is reviewed and approved, the system issues an ACD Reference Code, which must be included on the Bill of Lading before the cargo is shipped.
"With effect from August 3, 2026, all the containerized cargo destined to Kenya must have an ACD reference number before loading to the vessel. The platform is designed to strengthen cargo visibility, improve customs processing and make cross-border trade more efficient for everyone involved in the shipping process."
KRA said the requirement applies to all parties involved in shipping goods to Kenya, including exporters, freight forwarders, shipping lines, carriers and customs clearing agents. It added that every containerised shipment destined for a Kenyan port must be supported by a validated Advance Cargo Declaration.
The authority said the platform has been introduced to support changing global trade by allowing Customs to receive shipment information before cargo arrives, making it easier to plan inspections, manage risks and monitor cargo throughout its journey.
"As global trade continues to evolve, customs processes must keep pace. The ACD Platform enables Customs to receive cargo information before shipments arrive, improving planning, risk management and cargo tracking while supporting faster customs processing. For businesses, this means greater visibility throughout the shipping process and a simpler, more predictable clearance experience."
To obtain the declaration, KRA outlined a five-step application process that begins with registering on the platform and submitting the required shipping documents. Applicants must then apply for the declaration at the port of loading, receive the ACD Reference Code, include it on the Bill of Lading and complete validation before the vessel arrives in Kenya.
The authority said applicants will be required to submit a draft Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and export declaration during the application process.
KRA said the system is expected to improve compliance with customs requirements, strengthen transparency across the supply chain and reduce delays caused by incomplete or late submission of cargo information.
"Don't wait until your cargo arrives. The ACD Reference Code is obtained before cargo is loaded, not after it reaches Kenya. Shippers, exporters and freight forwarders are encouraged to apply early, obtain their ACD Reference Code and ensure it appears on the Bill of Lading before shipment. Failure to obtain a valid ACD Reference Code may result in delays, penalties or other enforcement actions at the port of entry."