Kenya ACD Certificate — The Complete Guide
How the Kenya ACD certificate works: issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply.
This guide covers the ACD certificate for shipments to Kenya — who issues it, which documents it needs, how the application runs and what the validation rules are. For the country procedure page, see Kenya ACD.
Overview
The ACD — Advance Cargo Declaration — is the cargo tracking certificate required for shipments to Kenya. It is issued by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Requirement status: Mandatory.
Sample ACD certificate
A Kenya ACD we filed, with the customer fields masked. Use it to check the layout, where the authority stamp sits and where the reference number is printed.
Discharge ports
- Mombasa
Required documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Export Declaration
Application process
1. Send your documents
Share PDF copies of the required documents via sck@scktr.com, or upload them through the application form. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of ACD certificates.
2. Draft is prepared
Once complete, consistent documents arrive, a draft is prepared for your confirmation. A file specialist checks the shipment details against the documents before anything is filed.
3. Confirm the draft
Check every field on the draft — consignee, ports, weights, values and container references. Final documents must be submitted without further amendments; corrections after validation are charged separately.
4. Filing and validation
The confirmed file is submitted to the issuing authority for validation. The ACD number is issued at validation, so it cannot be shown on documents prepared before that point.
5. Certificate delivered
The validated certificate is sent to you and can accompany the cargo to the destination port.
Timeline
- Processing time: 1–2 business days (allow up to a week for planning)
- Validity: One validated ACD per Bill of Lading.
The exact cut-off depends on the destination and the vessel schedule; confirm the deadline for your shipment with our team before filing.
Special rules
Validation deadline. The Kenya Revenue Authority has announced that its ACD platform for containerized cargo launches on 3 August 2026. The ACD reference code must be obtained at the port of loading and endorsed on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to a Kenyan port.
Non-compliance. Every shipment unloaded at a Kenyan port must be covered by a validated Advance Cargo Declaration, regardless of its final destination. Failure to obtain a valid ACD may lead to fines, delays, cargo rejection, or — in serious cases — seizure. An amendment fee applies for modifications made after validation.
Frequently asked questions
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.
How long does it take to get Kenya ACD approval?
The process typically takes 1–2 days, but it is best to allow a week for planning. Processing time depends on the accuracy and completeness of the submitted documents, the complexity of the shipment, and the reviewing authority’s workload.
Can one Kenya ACD cover multiple shipments?
No. Each shipment must be covered by its own validated Advance Cargo Declaration, prepared using the cargo, vessel, exporter, importer, container, and Bill of Lading details of that specific shipment.
Who is responsible for obtaining the Kenya ACD?
The shipper is responsible for obtaining the Kenya Advance Cargo Declaration at the port of loading and endorsing the reference code on the Bill of Lading.
Who needs a Kenya ACD?
A Kenya ACD may be required when you are: Exporting containerized cargo to KenyaImporting goods through a Kenyan portActing as a freight forwarder or shipping agentPreparing shipping documents for a customerManaging Customs clearance for cargo arriving in Kenya Applications should be completed before loading or departure to avoid documentation problems at the destination.
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.
Ready to file? Apply for a ACD certificate or go back to the Kenya ACD procedure page. All country guides: Country guides.