<p data-path-to-node="5">In a major regulatory shift aimed at curbing misdeclaration of goods and modernizing customs supervision, the <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="129">Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)</b> has implemented a mandatory <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="187">Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD)</b> digital system for all containerized imports entering Kenyan ports.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">The new mandate shifts destination customs compliance to the pre-loading stage, requiring exporters, freight forwarders, and logistics intermediaries to obtain a validated ACD reference code prior to vessel departure at the port of origin.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Pre-Loading Clearance, Bill of Lading Requirements, and Non-Compliance Risks</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The regulatory framework imposes strict documentation protocols across international supply chains serving East Africa:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Mandatory Pre-Loading Filing:</b> Exporters shipping containerized goods to Kenya must apply for a <b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="95">15-character ACD reference code</b> through KRA’s digital platform before cargo is loaded onto vessels at the port of loading.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Bill of Lading Endorsement:</b> To obtain the ACD code, shippers must upload four core documents: a draft Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice, and export declaration. The generated 15-character reference code must be clearly endorsed on the final original Bill of Lading.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Carrier Advisories to Shippers:</b> Global container shipping lines, including <b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="75">CMA CGM</b> and <b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="87">Maersk</b>, have issued advisories alerting trade partners that missing, delayed, or inconsistent ACD reference details at the port of discharge will result in customs holds, delayed clearance, mandatory physical inspections, or administrative penalties.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Broader Digital Customs Supervision:</b> The ACD platform forms part of Kenya’s integrated digital customs framework alongside the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), and the Kenya TradeNet Single Window.</p></li></ul>