Businesses involved in Kenya’s international trade are set to adjust their shipping and logistics operations following the introduction of a new Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) cargo declaration system that will become mandatory from next month.
The tax authority has announced that all containerised cargo destined for Kenya will be subject to the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system from August 3, 2026, marking a significant shift in customs procedures for importers, exporters and logistics service providers.
The new digital platform requires exporters shipping goods to Kenya to submit shipment information and supporting documents before cargo is loaded at the port of origin.
Under the new framework, shipments will only be cleared for transportation after an ACD reference code has been generated and incorporated into the Bill of Lading.
The changes will affect a wide range of players across the supply chain, including importers, exporters, shipping lines, shipowners, carriers, shipping agents, customs clearing agents, freight forwarders and other logistics firms handling containerised cargo.
To obtain the mandatory reference code, exporters will be required to upload key shipping documents through the ACD platform. These include a draft Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and export declaration. After the documents are verified, the system will issue a unique ACD reference number that must appear on the final Bill of Lading before the shipment is dispatched to Kenya.
KRA said the new requirement is part of its broader strategy to modernise customs administration, improve cargo visibility and strengthen oversight of goods entering the country.
According to the authority, receiving shipment information before cargo departs for Kenya will allow customs officials to conduct advance risk assessments, identify potentially high-risk consignments and expedite the clearance of compliant shipments once they arrive at Kenyan ports.
“The platform will enhance customs efficiency, strengthen cargo security and improve trade facilitation by enabling advance submission of shipment information,” KRA said in a notice issued on Tuesday.
The authority expects the digital platform to reduce inefficiencies associated with manual customs processes while improving transparency and cargo traceability throughout the international supply chain.
For businesses, however, the rollout introduces an additional compliance requirement that will demand closer coordination between exporters, importers, shipping agents, customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure all documentation is submitted before cargo is loaded.
Industry players have been urged to familiarise themselves with the new procedures ahead of the August 3 implementation date to minimise the risk of shipment delays and supply chain disruptions.
Also Read: KRA to introduce web-based tax return filing as Excel forms are phased out
