Export – Kenya / ACD – Advance Cargo Declaration
Dear customer,
We would like to inform you that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the introduction of a new platform for Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) for all containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports. Transshipment cargo (e.g., to Uganda or Rwanda) is exempt from this requirement. This regulation comes into effect on August 3, 2026. Under this new rule, an ACD reference code must be obtained and recorded on the Bill of Lading (B/L) prior to cargo loading.
Shippers/exporters shall register on the KRA ACD portal, to obtain the ACD directly. The documents required are:
- Draft Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice
- Freight invoice
- Export customs document
According to the information available to us, generating the ACD reference is currently free of charge. Failure to obtain an ACD reference may result in customs penalties, delays, the return of cargo from the port of entry, or seizure.
SACO Shipping can arrange the ACD reference via an authorized provider; applicable costs can be found in our current tariff.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your dedicated SACO Shipping team.
