Kenya ACD Certificate

Obtain Your Kenya ACD Before Shipment

Containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports must be accompanied by a valid Advance Cargo Declaration reference code.

Submit your shipment documents to our team for a preliminary review and assistance with the Kenya ACD application process.

What is the Kenya ACD?

The Advance Cargo Declaration, commonly abbreviated as ACD, is Kenya’s pre-arrival cargo declaration system.

It allows cargo, vessel, exporter, importer, and shipment information to be submitted before the goods arrive at a Kenyan port. The declaration supports advance Customs assessment and helps authorities identify and process incoming cargo more efficiently.

The Kenya Revenue Authority has announced that its ACD platform for containerized cargo will launch on 3 August 2026. The ACD reference code must be obtained at the point of loading and endorsed on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to Kenya.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for an ACD Certificate?

To apply for a Kenya ACD, you must submit:

• • Bill of Lading

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Freight Invoice

  • Export Declaration

These documents provide the essential shipment details needed for declaration and regulatory verification.

To start the certification process, you should share PDF copies of the documents through sck@scktr.com. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of ECTN certificates. Please be sure to share the final documents, which will not have any more amendments later in the process. A amendment fee will occur for the modifications after validating the certificates.

Can You Apply Using a Draft Bill of Lading?

Yes. A draft Bill of Lading can be used when submitting your ACD application. However, the final Bill of Lading must include the issued ACD number once available, to ensure customs compliance.

Who needs a Kenya ACD?

A Kenya ACD may be required when you are:

• Exporting containerized cargo to Kenya
• Importing goods through a Kenyan port
• Acting as a freight forwarder or shipping agent
• Preparing shipping documents for a customer
• Managing Customs clearance for cargo arriving in Kenya

Applications should be completed before loading or departure to avoid documentation problems at the destination.

How the process works

1. Send your documents

Upload or email the available shipping documents and shipment information.

2. Document review

Our team checks the files for missing, inconsistent, or unclear information before submission.

3. ACD application

The declaration is prepared using the information supplied by the shipper, exporter, or freight forwarder.

4. Reference code issued

Once the application has been reviewed and accepted by the relevant authority, an ACD reference code is generated.

5. Bill of Lading updated

The ACD reference code must be endorsed on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to a Kenyan port.

Why apply early?

Late or incomplete declarations may result in:

• Document amendments
• Customs delays
• Additional operational costs
• Cargo holds
• Loading or clearance complications

Failure to obtain the declaration may lead to fines, delays, cargo rejection, or more serious enforcement action.

When Should You Apply for the Kenya ACD Certificate?

You should apply for the Kenya Advance Cargo Declaration as early as possible and before the vessel departs from the port of loading.

The ACD must be obtained at the port of loading, and its reference code must be added to the relevant Bill of Lading.

Applying early allows sufficient time for document review, corrections, and validation before the shipment reaches Kenya.

How Long Does It Take to Get Kenya ACD Approval?

The processing time for a Kenya ACD application can vary depending on the accuracy and completeness of the submitted documents, the complexity of the shipment, and the reviewing authority’s workload.

Incomplete documents, inconsistent cargo information, or required amendments may extend the processing period. Applicants should therefore submit their documents as early as possible rather than relying on a fixed approval time.

For further information and document samples, please contact our team at sck@scktr.com.

Does the Bill of Lading Need the Kenya ACD Reference Number?

Yes. The Kenya ACD reference code must be added to all relevant Bills of Lading.

The reference should be obtained at the port of loading and included in the shipping documentation before the vessel proceeds to Kenya. Failure to include a valid ACD reference may result in delays, penalties, cargo rejection, or other enforcement measures at the port of entry.

Who Is Responsible for Obtaining the Kenya ACD Certificate?

The shipper, is responsible for obtaining the Kenya Advance Cargo Declaration at the port of loading.

Can You Use One Kenya ACD for Multiple Shipments?

No. Each shipment must be covered by its own validated Advance Cargo Declaration.

The ACD is prepared using the cargo, vessel, exporter, importer, container, and Bill of Lading details associated with a specific shipment. Separate shipments or Bills of Lading may therefore require separate declarations and ACD reference codes.

Is the ACD Certificate Required for All Shipments to Kenya?

According to the official Kenya ACD platform, every shipment unloaded at a Kenyan port must be covered by a validated Advance Cargo Declaration, regardless of its final destination.

This includes cargo imported into Kenya as well as cargo unloaded at a Kenyan port before continuing to another destination. Shipment-specific requirements should be confirmed before loading, particularly for unusual cargo types, transit arrangements, or non-standard shipping movements.

What Documents Are Required for a Kenya ACD Application?

The following documents are required for a Kenya Advance Cargo Declaration application:

• Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Freight Invoice
• Export Declaration

All documents must be clear and readable. The declaration should also include the applicable container details and HS Codes.

The information shown across the documents must be consistent, including the shipper, consignee, cargo description, quantities, weight, value, freight amount, ports, vessel details, and container information.

What Are the Kenya ACD Fees?

Kenya ACD fees may depend on the shipment details, cargo configuration, number of containers, and other applicable declaration requirements.

A complete quotation can be provided after reviewing the shipment information and supporting documents.

For current fee information, please contact our team at sck@scktr.com.

What Happens If a Shipment Does Not Have a Valid Kenya ACD?

Failure to obtain a valid Advance Cargo Declaration may result in fines, shipment delays, cargo rejection at the port of entry, or other Customs enforcement measures.

In serious cases, cargo may be subject to seizure or confiscation. The declaration should therefore be obtained and validated within the required timeframe before the vessel arrives in Kenya.

Who Issues the Kenya ACD Certificate?

Being the authorized agent SCK Representation can provide customers with document review, application preparation, and submission coordination. Approval and validation remain subject to the competent Kenyan authority.