Kenya Revenue Authority mandates a 15-digit ACD Reference Code on Bills of Lading for all containerized cargo imports.
The Kenya Revenue Authority requires a 15-digit ACD Reference Code on every Bill of Lading for containerized cargo bound for Kenyan ports.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the country's principal customs and border control agency, has launched a mandatory Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) platform for all containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports. The digital pre-arrival system took effect on Monday, August 3, 2026, and applies to importers, exporters, shipowners, carriers, shipping agents, and customs agents alike.
Under the requirement, exporters shipping goods to Kenya must obtain an ACD Reference Code at the point of loading. The code must then be endorsed on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to a Kenyan port. This measure strengthens KRA's pre-arrival visibility into inbound trade and positions Kenya alongside a growing number of customs administrations that are adopting advanced electronic cargo reporting.
The ACD Reference Code follows a 15-digit alphanumeric format, such as ACDKE2026004324. According to guidance issued by carriers including A.P. Moller-Maersk, the structure breaks down into three parts: a five-character prefix denoting the reference name and country initials (ACDKE), a four-digit year (2026), and a six-digit sequential reference number issued by the KRA (004324).
The code is generated once the required shipping documents are uploaded and validated through the official portal at acd.kra.go.ke. It is mandatory for shipment processing and must appear on the final Bill of Lading before cargo is dispatched to Kenya.
The KRA has outlined a structured process for shippers, exporters, and freight forwarders completing declarations through the ACD portal. Freight forwarders managing declarations on behalf of clients can integrate the following steps into existing documentation workflows:
1. Register on the ACD platform. Access the official portal at acd.kra.go.ke, complete registration, and log in.
2. Submit shipment documentation. Upload the required documents to initiate the application and receive the draft ACD.
3. Validate the declaration. Pay the applicable fees to complete validation.
4. Receive the ACD Reference Code. Obtain the final ACD certificate and the 15-digit reference number.
5. Update the Bill of Lading. Ensure the 15-digit code is clearly reflected on the final B/L.
To generate the reference code, users must upload four documents to the platform:
- Draft Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Export Declaration
Assembling these documents in advance and confirming their accuracy before loading reduces the risk of rejected submissions and preserves reliable transit schedules for high-volume and time-sensitive shipments.
The requirement carries direct operational and financial consequences for cargo owners and their logistics partners. Missing or incorrect ACD details at the discharge port may result in delayed customs clearance, additional inspections, cargo holds, or non-discharge of cargo. Non-compliance may also expose import customers to customs-imposed fines and other penalties.
For importers and buyers, such disruptions translate directly into extended lead times, tied-up cash flow, and elevated total landed costs. For freight forwarders, early adoption of the ACD workflow offers a clear opportunity to differentiate service, protect client retention, and demonstrate value as an indispensable compliance partner.
The KRA has urged all stakeholders to visit acd.kra.go.ke for full guidance on the ACD process. Inquiries may be directed to operations@acd.kra.go.ke or info@acd.kra.go.ke.
Securing the ACD Reference Code before loading is now a precondition for smooth entry into Kenyan ports. For freight forwarders, shippers, and importers operating across global supply chains, integrating the declaration into standard pre-shipment routines is not merely a regulatory checkbox – it is a decisive step toward reliable delivery, cost control, and uninterrupted trade with one of East Africa's principal gateways.
