Kenya: Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD)

Swiss exporters shipping goods to Kenya must now submit cargo information electronically before departure. This new compliance step must be integrated into the export process from the outset. The ACD is a digital pre-arrival cargo system operated by KRA at acd.kra.go.ke. 

Exporters and shippers operating outside Kenya are required to apply for an ACD reference number through the platform at the point of loading. The reference number is generated by the platform upon successful submission of the required documents. 

Required documents

To obtain an ACD reference number, the following must be uploaded to the KRA platform: 

• Draft Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Freight Invoice
• Export Declaration issued in the country of loading

Once generated, the ACD reference number must be endorsed on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to a Kenyan port.

Objectives of the ACD

The ACD has the following key objectives:  

• Minimize inspection delays for compliant consignments;
• Enhance supply chain planning through advance cargo visibility;
• Improve the predictability of cargo release
• Reduce unnecessary inspections through risk-based targeting;
• Lower port storage costs
• Promote efficient cargo clearance by the KRA.

Implementation

The ACD is being introduced through a four-step Proof of Concept phase running from August to December 2026:

• Step 1 – 3 August 2026: The KRA ACD Proof of Concept (PoC) commences. Relevant stakeholders may register on the KRA ACD platform.
• Step 2 – 1 September 2026: The implementation and testing phase of the ACD PoC begins. During this phase, KRA will collect feedback and relevant data from participating stakeholders.
• Step 3 – 30 November 2026: The ACD PoC concludes.
• Step 4 – From 1 December 2026: KRA’s monitoring and evaluation phase begins. The data and findings generated during the PoC will inform the next stage of the ACD implementation.

The wider implementation of the ACD framework will follow upon completion of the Proof of Concept and will be subject to the outcome of the evaluation. 

Following the PoC and the subsequent assessment, KRA is expected to publish an invitation to tender for interested parties.