KRA Announces New Mandatory Cargo Rule for All Goods Shipped to Kenya

The Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA) has made an announcement concerning the launch of the new Advance Cargo Declaration Platform for containers destined to Kenyan ports in a significant change for the country’s cargo clearance process, which will be implemented in one month.

According to a public notice dated July 14, 2026, the revenue collection body has informed all the relevant parties, such as importers, exporters, shipowners, carriers, shipping agents, customs agents and others, that the new electronic pre-arrival cargo platform will be launched on Monday, August 3, 2026.

“Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) informs all users of Kenya’s ports that an Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) platform, a digital pre-arrival cargo system for all containerised cargo destined for Kenya ports is now available. The implementation of this platform will be launched on Monday, 3rd August, 2026,” the notice stated.

Mandatory Digital Cargo Declaration

KRA explained that exporters shipping goods to Kenya will now be required to obtain an ACD reference code before cargo is dispatched to Kenyan ports.

“Exporters shipping goods to Kenya will obtain an ACD reference code from acd.kra.go.ke at the point of loading containerised cargo destined for Kenya ports,” the authority said.

Also Read: How to Track Cargo at Mombasa Port Online in Real Time

According to the notice, the reference code will only be generated after exporters upload the required shipping documentation onto the digital platform.

“The reference code will be generated once the following documents are uploaded to the platform: Draft Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice, and Export Declaration,” KRA stated.

Bill of Lading Requirement Before Shipment

The authority further emphasized that the ACD reference code must be incorporated into shipping documentation before cargo begins its journey to Kenya.

“The ACD reference code will be endorsed on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to a Kenyan port,” the notice read.

By requiring documentation before loading, the system is also expected to facilitate early cargo risk assessment and improve efficiency in cargo clearance once shipments arrive in the country.

Also Read: KRA Revenue Breakdown: The 5 Sectors Behind the Record Ksh 2.84 Trillion Collection

Stakeholders Urged to Prepare

KRA has urged all affected stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new requirements ahead of the August implementation date.

“Stakeholders are urged to visit acd.kra.go.ke for full guidance on the ACD process,” the authority said.

The tax agency also encouraged users seeking clarification to contact its support channels.

“For further inquiries, please email operations@acd.kra.go.ke or info@acd.kra.go.ke,” the notice states.

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An aerial view of the port of Mombasa and its storage bay. PHOTO/ KPA