Kenya ACD Certificate

Last Updated: 20 August 2026 – Regulations are subject to change.

Kenya’s Advance Cargo Declaration has been mandatory for containerized cargo since 3 August 2026. SCK Representation is an official partner for the Kenya ACD (ECTN) Certificate. The process takes 1–2 days, but it’s best to allow a week for planning.

Obtain Your Kenya ACD Before Shipment

The requirement is in force. 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.

Regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming the latest country-specific requirements with our team via email.

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’s ACD platform for containerized cargo went live on 3 August 2026 and applies to shipments from that date onward. 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 a Kenya ACD, you must submit:

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

All documents must be clear and readable, and the declaration should include the applicable container details and HS Codes. The information across the documents must be consistent — shipper, consignee, cargo description, quantities, weight, value, freight amount, ports, vessel details, and container information.

To start the certification process, share PDF copies of the documents through sck@scktr.com. There is no need to send hard copies. Please share the final documents, as an amendment fee applies for modifications made after the certificate is validated.

How the Process Works

1. Send your documents — 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 is reviewed and accepted by the relevant authority, an ACD reference code is generated.
5. Bill of Lading updated — the ACD reference code is 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, and loading or clearance complications. You should apply as early as possible and before the vessel departs from the port of loading, allowing enough time for document review, corrections, and validation before the shipment reaches Kenya.

Is the ACD 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 elsewhere. Confirm shipment-specific requirements before loading, particularly for unusual cargo types, transit arrangements, or non-standard movements.

Government ECTN & ACI Solutions

Kenya’s ACD is part of a wider shift to digital, pre-arrival cargo intelligence. SCK also partners with governments to deliver AI-driven ACI / ECTN platforms — see our Government ECTN Solutions.