A valid Kenya ACD Certificate is mandatory for all containerized cargo shipped to Kenya before loading.

• The ACD must be obtained at the port of loading.
• The shipper is responsible for arranging the declaration.
• A validated declaration is required for shipments unloaded at Kenyan ports.
• The ACD reference code must be added to all applicable Bills of Lading.
• The declaration must be validated at least five days before the vessel arrives.
• Submitted documents must be clear and readable.
• Every shipment must have its own valid declaration and reference.
• Shipment information must correspond with the Bill of Lading and supporting commercial documents.
• Corrections should be completed before final validation whenever possible.

Failure to obtain the required ACD may result in fines, shipment delays, cargo rejection, additional enforcement action, seizure, or confiscation.

The Kenya Revenue Authority announced the implementation of the Advance Cargo Declaration for containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports from 3 August 2026.

Shippers should prepare their procedures before the implementation date and ensure the ACD reference is obtained before the cargo proceeds to Kenya.

No, each shipment requires its own separate ACD reference number. The declaration must correspond to the specific cargo details, Bill of Lading, and commercial documents for that particular shipment.

It is strongly recommended to obtain the ACD before the vessel departs from the port of loading. Applying after departure may still be possible in some cases, but it increases the risk of delays, penalties, or complications upon arrival at the Kenyan port.

A hard copy is generally not required. The ACD reference number is an electronic declaration that gets linked to the Bill of Lading and verified digitally by port and customs authorities in Kenya.

The ACD is required to improve cargo tracking, enhance customs control, reduce fraud, and ensure accurate advance information about goods entering Kenyan ports before the vessel's arrival.

All containerized cargo shipments destined for Kenyan ports require a valid ACD reference before the cargo can be unloaded and cleared.

Transit cargo passing through Kenyan ports to other destinations may also be subject to ACD requirements. Shippers should confirm current regulations for transit shipments before dispatch.

ECTN expert is a platform that helps shippers and freight forwarders obtain cargo tracking notes, ECTN certificates, and advance cargo declarations required by various countries for import clearance.

Yes, the entire application process can be completed online. Shippers simply need to submit the required shipping and cargo documents through the platform to receive their reference number.

The ECTN helps customs authorities verify shipment information in advance, reducing fraud, improving cargo security, and streamlining the clearance process at the destination port.