Kenya Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Guide 2026: Documents & Process

If you are shipping containerized cargo from China to Kenya, the Advance Cargo Declaration is now part of the origin-side shipping process.

Kenya Revenue Authority introduced the ACD platform for containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports from 3 August 2026. For applicable shipments, the ACD reference must be obtained at the port of loading and added to the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to Kenya. Kenya Revenue Authority

For importers, exporters and freight coordinators, the important point is that ACD is not something to leave until the container reaches Mombasa. The commercial documents, China export declaration and draft Bill of Lading need to be aligned while the shipment is still at origin.

This guide explains how the Kenya Advance Cargo Declaration works for China-origin shipments, which documents are needed, who should coordinate the application, how the ACD relates to the Bill of Lading, and what exporters should check before vessel loading.

Data Note — Last reviewed: 25 September 2026
Kenya’s ACD system is relatively new and operational procedures may continue to develop. Regulatory information in this guide has been checked against current KRA notices, the official KRA ACD platform and KRA system instructions. Carrier-specific cut-offs and handling procedures should also be confirmed before loading.

Quick Answer: What Do You Need to Know About Kenya ACD?

For a typical containerized sea shipment from China to Kenya:

• KRA launched the ACD platform on 3 August 2026.
• The requirement applies to applicable containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports.
• The ACD must be arranged before cargo is loaded for Kenya.
• The four core documents listed by KRA are the Draft Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice and Export Declaration.
• After approval, the ACD Reference Code must be shown on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to Kenya.
• The application may be handled by the shipper, exporter or freight forwarder at origin.
• Incorrect B/L details, consignee information, weights, values, container data or other document inconsistencies can cause an application to be returned or rejected.

If you are arranging shipping from China to Kenya, build the ACD check into the booking and documentation process rather than treating it as a destination-clearance document.

What Is the Kenya Advance Cargo Declaration?

The Advance Cargo Declaration, usually shortened to ACD, is a pre-loading cargo declaration used to provide Kenya Customs with shipment information before applicable cargo is loaded for Kenya.

The official KRA ACD platform describes it as a pre-loading declaration for applicable containerized shipments. The information submitted includes details about the cargo, vessel, shipper or exporter and supporting shipment documents. KRA ACD Platform

In practical terms, ACD creates an additional documentation checkpoint between the China export process and the final Bill of Lading.

It is important not to confuse ACD with other Kenya import requirements.

ACD is not:

• the carrier booking;
• the Chinese export customs declaration itself;
• the Kenya import customs entry;
• a KEBS Certificate of Conformity;
• a Certificate of Origin; or
• a replacement for customs clearance after arrival.

An importer may therefore have a valid ACD and still need to satisfy separate customs, standards, tax, permit and product-specific requirements in Kenya.

For a China exporter, the best way to think about ACD is:

Prepare the origin shipment correctly → obtain the ACD reference → place the approved reference on the B/L → ship → complete Kenya import clearance after arrival.

When Did Kenya ACD Take Effect?

KRA’s formal public notice states that implementation of the ACD platform for containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports was launched on 3 August 2026. Kenya Revenue Authority

You may also see 1 September 2026 mentioned in shipping-line notices.

These dates should not be treated as contradictory.

3 August 2026 is the KRA implementation date.

Separately, carriers including Maersk and CMA CGM published operational notices referring to stricter carrier-side validation from 1 September 2026, including checks before loading and the risk of containers being rolled when an acceptable ACD reference has not been provided. Maersk and CMA CGM

For current shipments, the practical rule is straightforward:

Do not plan on loading a Kenya-bound container first and solving the ACD later.

The ACD reference should be part of the pre-loading documentation workflow.

Which Shipments Require a Kenya ACD?

KRA’s July 2026 public notice introduced the system for containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports. Its official platform similarly describes ACD as applying to applicable containerized shipments destined for Kenya. Kenya Revenue Authority

For China exporters, this primarily affects ocean freight moving in containers.

FCL Shipments

A normal Full Container Load shipment destined for a Kenyan port falls within the containerized-cargo scope described by KRA.

That means ACD preparation should be scheduled alongside:

• export customs declaration;
• carrier booking;
• shipping instructions;
• draft B/L confirmation; and
• final B/L issuance.

LCL Shipments

LCL cargo should not be assumed exempt merely because an importer does not control an entire container.

Current carrier implementation guidance treats Kenya-bound LCL containerized cargo as subject to the ACD process. For example, ONE’s operational guidance includes LCL containerized cargo. Ocean Network Express

LCL can be operationally more complicated because the shipment may involve a consolidator, House Bill of Lading and Master Bill of Lading.

The exact ACD treatment of individual HBL/MBL structures should therefore be confirmed with the current KRA portal guidance and the consolidator before cargo enters the final loading cycle.

For smaller shipments where consolidation is being considered, our guide to shipping cost per CBM from China to Kenya explains how LCL shipments are normally planned before booking.

What About Transit and Transshipment Cargo?

This area needs more care.

Some current carrier notices distinguish between cargo that is discharged in Kenya for inland transit to another East African country and cargo that is only transshipped at a Kenyan port onto another vessel.

Carrier guidance is not completely uniform. For example, CMA CGM currently states that shipments in transit outside Kenya do not require an ACD, while other carrier guidance may distinguish between inland-transit cargo and pure sea transshipment. CMA CGM

KRA’s public ACD page lists transit, air freight, road cargo, RORO, bulk cargo and empty containers among its FAQ topics, so these shipment types should be checked against the latest official guidance before booking. KRA ACD Platform

Therefore:

Do not rely on an old ECTN/CTN blog or a third-party certificate seller for exemptions.

Who Should Apply for the ACD on a China-to-Kenya Shipment?

The KRA ACD platform states that the declaration is obtained at the port of loading by the shipper, exporter or freight forwarder. KRA ACD Platform

For an actual China shipment, several parties usually contribute information.

The important step is to decide who owns the ACD task before documentation cut-off.

Do not assume that the responsibility is automatically determined simply by saying the shipment is FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP or DDP. Incoterms affect commercial responsibilities and transport arrangements, but they do not replace the operational need to assign a specific party to complete the ACD.

A Kenyan importer should ask the Chinese supplier or forwarder early:

Who will submit the ACD, and who will make sure the approved reference is sent to the carrier before final B/L issuance?

That one question can prevent a last-minute documentation gap.

For destination-side procedures after arrival, see Customs Clearance in Kenya.

Check My Kenya Import Requirements

Documents Required for a Kenya ACD

KRA currently lists four core documents for an ACD application:

1. Draft Bill of Lading
2. Commercial Invoice
3. Freight Invoice
4. Export Declaration

Source: Kenya Revenue Authority

For a shipment from China, simply having four files is not enough. The information across those files needs to make sense as one shipment.

Draft Bill of Lading

The draft B/L establishes key transport information before the final Bill is issued.

Check items such as:

• shipper;
• consignee;
• notify party;
• B/L number;
• port of loading;
• port of discharge;
• vessel and voyage information;
• cargo description;
• number of packages;
• gross weight; and
• container information where applicable.

The sequence matters.

You normally need the draft B/L to support the ACD application, then the approved ACD reference is incorporated into the Bill of Lading before shipment proceeds.

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice should accurately reflect the transaction involving the Kenyan importer.

Check:

• exporter/seller;
• buyer/importer;
• product description;
• quantity;
• invoice number;
• invoice currency;
• value;
• Incoterm; and
• country-of-origin or related data where shown.

If the product description on the invoice is specific but the B/L uses a conflicting or misleading description, that can create a document-consistency problem.

Freight Invoice

KRA includes the Freight Invoice in its required-document list. Kenya Revenue Authority

The shipment’s freight information should correspond to the actual movement being declared.

Do not assume that a generic freight quotation or unrelated monthly statement is automatically sufficient. If the commercial arrangement makes a normal shipment-specific freight invoice difficult to produce, confirm the current acceptance standard before submitting the application.

Export Declaration

For cargo exported from China, prepare the official export customs declaration or corresponding China export documentation applicable to the shipment.

This document should not be treated as an administrative afterthought. KRA’s 2026 Finance Act guidance separately states that Kenyan importers must obtain and retain export documentation from the country of export from 1 September 2026, with information such as exporter, importer, goods description, quantity, value, tariff classification and country of export. Kenya Revenue Authority

Document Checklist

Do Not Mix ACD Documents with Other Kenya Compliance Documents

A Certificate of Origin, KEBS CoC and other regulatory documents may still be required for the import, but they are not listed as part of KRA’s four-document ACD application set.

Keep each requirement in the right process.

Pro Tip: Create one cross-document control sheet before submission. Compare the exporter, importer, product description, packages, gross weight, currency, invoice value, HS classification, ports and B/L information in one place instead of checking each document in isolation.

Review My Cargo Before Shipping

How to Apply for the Kenya ACD

Applications are made through the official KRA ACD platform.

The current system workflow is broadly:

Register → upload shipment documents → complete shipment data → create draft → review → submit → approval → obtain ACD reference. KRA ACD System Instructions

Step 1: Register an ACD Account

The current registration page requests company and contact information, including:

• name;
• mobile number;
• email;
• organization/company name;
• country; and
• business licence upload.

The platform uses email and SMS verification during registration. KRA ACD Registration

Do not wait until vessel cut-off day to discover that the person handling the shipment still needs an account.

Step 2: Start a New ACD Request

After logging in, create a new request and upload the required shipment documents.

At this stage, use the latest versions available rather than provisional files that are likely to change substantially.

Step 3: Complete the Shipment Information

Enter the requested information carefully and use the uploaded documents as the source of truth.

Pay particular attention to:

• shipper/exporter;
• consignee/importer;
• B/L information;
• cargo;
• HS code;
• quantity;
• packages;
• weight;
• values;
• container;
• vessel; and
• routing information.

KRA’s platform states that users are responsible for submitting accurate, complete and current shipment information and documents. KRA ACD Terms

Step 4: Create and Review the ACD Draft

The KRA system instructions show that the user completes the required fields, reviews the information, and then creates an ACD draft. KRA ACD System Instructions

Use this review stage properly.

Do not treat it as a button-clicking exercise.

Compare the draft against:

• draft B/L;
• commercial invoice;
• freight invoice; and
• export declaration.

Step 5: Submit for Approval

Once submitted, the application is reviewed.

Approval should never be presented as automatic.

The current KRA platform terms state that applications may require corrections or further documents, can be returned or rejected, and that processing time can vary and is not guaranteed. KRA ACD Terms

This is why exporters should avoid promising a customer:

“The ACD will definitely be approved in two hours.”

There is no reliable universal processing guarantee to support that statement.

Step 6: Receive the ACD Reference and Send It to the Carrier

After approval, obtain the ACD reference and provide it to the shipping line according to the carrier’s documentation procedure.

KRA instructs shipping lines to request the ACD reference before issuing the final Bill of Lading and ensure that it is correctly shown on the B/L. KRA ACD Platform

Send Cargo Details

China Exporter Checklist Before Container Loading

For exporters in China, ACD should be built into the shipment workflow before the vessel-loading stage.

One important distinction:

KRA requires the ACD before cargo is loaded for Kenya at the port of loading. That should not automatically be rewritten as “ACD must be approved before factory container stuffing” unless an operational party specifically imposes that requirement. Kenya Revenue Authority

A better workflow is to split the control into two stages.

Before Stuffing or Shipping-Instruction Cut-Off

Confirm the following:

• Is the shipment within the current Kenya ACD scope?
• Who is responsible for submitting the ACD?
• Is the ACD account already active?
• Is the Chinese exporter’s legal name confirmed?
• Is the Kenyan importer/consignee name confirmed?
• Is the commercial invoice final enough for submission?
• Does the goods description accurately identify the cargo?
• Has the HS classification been reviewed?
• Is the China export declaration being prepared with consistent data?
• Is the carrier booking confirmed?
• Who will provide the freight invoice?
• Do the exporter, importer and forwarder understand the documentation deadline?

For shipments involving several Chinese factories, consolidation adds another layer.

Do not allow one supplier invoice to describe goods in one way, the warehouse packing list to describe them another way, and the export/Bill of Lading documentation to use an unrelated general description.

Before Vessel Loading

Confirm:

• Carrier-issued draft B/L received.
• Shipper name checked.
• Consignee/importer checked.
• Notify party checked where applicable.
• B/L number checked.
• Cargo description matches supporting documents.
• Package count checked.
• Gross weight checked.
• Commercial value and currency checked.
• Freight information checked.
• Port of loading checked.
• Port of discharge checked.
• Vessel/voyage information checked.
• Container details checked where applicable.
• ACD application submitted.
• Any correction or rejection resolved.
• Approved ACD reference obtained.
• ACD reference sent to carrier.
• Final B/L checked for the correct ACD reference.
• Final documentation sent to the Kenyan importer and clearing agent.

Pro Tip: Do not wait for the final B/L before starting the ACD workflow. KRA asks for a draft Bill of Lading, while the approved ACD reference must then be reflected on the Bill of Lading before shipment. The correct sequence is therefore built around the draft B/L, not after final documentation is completed. KRA ACD Platform

How Does the ACD Reference Work with the Bill of Lading?

The relationship between the ACD and Bill of Lading is one of the most important parts of the process.

KRA’s stated sequence is:

Draft B/L → ACD application → ACD approval/reference → reference added to B/L → shipment proceeds to Kenya. Kenya Revenue Authority

Shipping lines are expected to request the reference before final B/L issuance and ensure it appears correctly on the document. KRA ACD Platform

This creates a practical rule for exporters:

Do not treat the B/L and ACD as separate files handled by separate teams without cross-checking them.

The shipping-instruction team, ACD filer and carrier-documentation team need to be working from the same shipment data.

What If the B/L Changes After ACD Approval?

Changes can happen.

Examples include:

• consignee correction;
• notify-party change;
• B/L number correction;
• vessel/voyage change;
• routing adjustment;
• package-count change;
• weight correction;
• cargo-description correction; or
• container-data change.

KRA’s official system instructions show that an approved ACD application includes a Request Amendment function. KRA ACD System Instructions

That does not mean every field can always be changed freely.

If important shipment data changes after approval, the safe operational approach is:

1. identify what changed;
2. compare the change against the approved ACD;
3. determine whether an amendment is required;
4. update the carrier if necessary; and
5. ensure the final ACD information and B/L remain consistent.

Do not simply edit the B/L and assume the existing ACD remains valid.

Common Kenya ACD Rejection Reasons

KRA’s system instructions identify common reasons for ACD rejection, including inconsistent shipment information, missing or unclear documents, B/L errors, weight or package discrepancies, value/currency differences, container errors, routing errors, incorrect importer information and mismatches between the declared goods and cargo description. KRA ACD System Instructions

Most of these problems can be grouped into a few practical categories.

Missing or Unclear Documents

An application can run into problems where:

• one of the required documents is missing;
• a wrong document is uploaded;
• the scan is unreadable;
• the file is incomplete; or
• the uploaded document does not correspond to the shipment.

Always check the file itself after upload rather than relying only on the filename.

Bill of Lading Information Does Not Match

Typical risk areas include:

• shipper name;
• consignee;
• B/L number;
• cargo;
• port;
• vessel;
• routing; and
• container details.

A common operational cause is different parties preparing documents at different stages without a final reconciliation.

Quantity, Weight or Package Count Differs

Suppose the supplier originally estimates:

120 cartons / 6,000 kg

but after final packing the warehouse records:

126 cartons / 6,340 kg.

If the commercial documents, export declaration and B/L are not updated consistently, the ACD application can reflect conflicting information.

Always work from final shipment data wherever possible.

Invoice Value or Currency Does Not Match

Check:

• commercial invoice value;
• declared currency;
• freight amount;
• freight currency; and
• any value fields entered manually into the ACD portal.

Do not casually switch between USD, RMB and another currency without confirming which document supports each figure.

Cargo Description Is Inconsistent

Avoid using a highly generic freight description if it conflicts with the actual goods shown on the invoice and export declaration.

For example, describing a mixed machinery shipment only as “GENERAL CARGO” while the commercial and customs documents identify specific machinery and components may create unnecessary inconsistency.

Use an accurate shipping description that matches the underlying documents.

For the destination-side process that follows arrival, see Kenya customs clearance requirements.

ACD Is Not the Same as Certificate of Origin, PVoC or Customs Clearance

Obtaining the ACD does not mean the shipment has completed all Kenya import-compliance requirements.

Several processes can apply to the same consignment.

ACD vs Certificate of Origin

Kenya has a separate Certificate of Origin requirement.

KRA states that, subject to specified exceptions and provisional arrangements, imported consignments are required to be accompanied by origin documentation. That requirement is separate from the ACD’s four listed application documents. Kenya Revenue Authority

Therefore, do not tell a Chinese exporter:

“The Export Declaration used for ACD means you no longer need to consider COO.”

They are different compliance questions.

ACD vs KEBS PVoC / CoC

For regulated products, Kenya’s Pre-Export Verification of Conformity program evaluates compliance against applicable Kenyan technical requirements and standards before export.

KEBS describes PVoC as a conformity-assessment process carried out in the country of supply or origin for covered goods. Kenya Bureau of Standards

That process is separate from ACD.

A shipment can therefore need both:

product conformity work before export
and
ACD shipment-document compliance before loading.

ACD vs Kenya Customs Clearance

The ACD also does not replace the import customs process after arrival.

Depending on the cargo, the Kenyan importer and clearing agent may still need to handle:

• correct HS classification;
• customs value;
• import duty;
• VAT and applicable levies;
• permits;
• agency approvals;
• customs examination;
• cargo release; and
• inland movement from Mombasa or Nairobi ICD.

For the broader destination process, see our guide to Customs Clearance in Kenya.

What Happens If the ACD Is Missing, Late or Incorrect?

There are two different kinds of risk: regulatory risk and shipping-operation risk.

Regulatory Risk

KRA’s official ACD page warns that failure to obtain the required declaration can lead to consequences including delays, fines or rejection of cargo, with more serious enforcement possible in severe cases. KRA ACD Platform

The exact outcome depends on the circumstances, so avoid relying on unverified websites that publish a universal penalty amount.

Shipping-Operation Risk

Even before the container reaches Kenya, an ACD problem can affect the booking.

Maersk’s current guidance states that carriers are expected to validate ACD references before loading under the tighter September implementation arrangements. CMA CGM similarly advises that shipments without a valid reference may be rolled to another vessel. Maersk and CMA CGM

A rolled container can disrupt:

• expected departure;
• arrival date;
• production or sales planning;
• destination delivery;
• warehouse booking;
• Kenyan clearance scheduling; and
• inland transport.

This is why ACD should be controlled at origin rather than left entirely to the destination agent.

Operational Warning: If shipment data changes after the ACD is approved, do not assume the original reference can simply remain unchanged. Check whether the approved declaration needs to be amended before the final shipping documents are released.

Review My Cargo Before Shipping

Practical ACD Workflow for a China-to-Kenya Shipment

For a standard sea-freight shipment, a sensible operating sequence looks like this:

1. Confirm the Kenya Order and Importer Details

Finalize the buyer, consignee and destination structure before documents start circulating.

2. Prepare Cargo and Commercial Information

Confirm the products, quantity, packing, value, HS classification and Incoterm.

3. Book Sea Freight from China

Arrange FCL or LCL movement and obtain carrier/consolidator booking information.

4. Complete the China Export Process

Prepare the export customs documentation with consistent exporter and cargo data.

5. Receive the Draft Bill of Lading

Review the shipping parties, route, cargo description, packages and weight.

6. Prepare and Submit the ACD

Use the required documents and shipment data through the current KRA ACD platform.

7. Resolve Validation Issues

If information is returned for correction, fix the source documents or declaration data rather than changing one field in isolation.

8. Obtain the Approved ACD Reference

Do not confuse creation of an application draft with final approval.

9. Send the Reference to the Carrier

Follow the carrier’s current B/L submission requirements.

10. Check the Final Bill of Lading

Make sure the ACD reference and shipment information are correct before cargo proceeds.

11. Send Documents to Kenya

Provide the importer and clearing agent with the final documents needed for destination preparation.

12. Complete Kenyan Import Clearance

ACD is only one stage. The destination import declaration, taxes, permits, KEBS requirements and other applicable processes still need to be completed.

FAQ

Final Checklist: Avoid ACD Problems Before Shipping from China

The Kenya ACD requirement adds another origin-side control point, but the main compliance principle is simple:

the shipment information must be complete, consistent and approved before loading.

For most China exporters and Kenyan importers, the biggest risk is not understanding the definition of ACD. It is failing to coordinate documents across several parties.

Before the vessel cut-off, confirm that:

• the exporter and Kenyan importer details are correct;
• the shipment is within current ACD scope;
• one party clearly owns the ACD application;
• the four required documents are available;
• cargo, value, weight, package and routing information agree;
• the draft B/L has been reviewed;
• the ACD has actually been approved;
• the approved reference has been sent to the carrier;
• the final B/L shows the correct reference; and
• the importer and clearing agent receive the final shipment information.

For shipments involving multiple Chinese suppliers, LCL consolidation, dangerous goods, oversized cargo or complex commercial structures, complete the compliance review earlier. These shipments create more opportunities for cargo descriptions, values, exporters, containers and B/L data to change before sailing.

The best approach is to make ACD part of the normal China export workflow—not an emergency document requested after the container is already waiting to load.

For the wider freight process, including sea freight, air freight, costs, transit time, Mombasa, Nairobi ICD and inland delivery, continue with our Shipping from China to Kenya guide.

Official Sources

• Kenya Revenue Authority — Advance Cargo Declaration Platform for Containerized Cargo
• Kenya Revenue Authority — Official ACD Platform and Shipping Line Requirements
• Kenya Revenue Authority — ACD System Instructions
• Kenya Revenue Authority — ACD Platform Terms of Service
• Kenya Bureau of Standards — Pre-Export Verification of Conformity