All containerised cargo destined for Kenyan ports now requires an Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD), issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority. The requirement took effect on 3 August 2026, and since 1 September 2026 carriers have been instructed to verify a valid ACD reference code before containers are loaded at origin. The code must be obtained at the port of loading, before the cargo ships, and printed on the Bill of Lading. Without it, your shipment can be held, refused loading, or penalised on arrival. HMG International handles the entire declaration on your behalf, so you receive a validated ACD reference code in time for loading, wherever you are shipping from.
To obtain an ACD for shipments to Kenya, the Kenya Revenue Authority requires a specific set of documents submitted through its declaration platform before the cargo is loaded. Every document must be clear and legible, and the declaration must include full container details and HS codes. Incomplete or unreadable submissions are a common cause of rejection and delay, so careful preparation of the following is essential:
The carrier's document setting out the type, quantity and destination of the goods. For Kenya it must be submitted in draft form at the point of application, because the ACD reference code is issued against it and then endorsed onto the final Bill of Lading before shipment.
The seller's itemised record of the goods and their prices, including any applicable taxes, fees or discounts. It is used by customs for declaration and valuation purposes.
The document showing the cost of transporting the goods, including freight charges, handling fees and other transport-related expenses. Kenya requires it as part of every ACD application.
The declaration lodged with customs at origin, confirming the nature, value and destination of the exported goods and that they have been cleared for export.
Not a separate document, but a mandatory part of the declaration itself. Container numbers and correct Harmonised System codes for every line of cargo must appear on the ACD draft.
Kenya’s ACD process runs to a tight deadline: the reference code has to exist before your container is loaded, not before it arrives. Our process is built around that timing:
Confirm the documents you will need, the draft Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice and Export Declaration, along with container numbers and HS codes for the cargo. Start this as soon as the booking is confirmed rather than close to the loading date.
Kenya’s ACD is a new requirement and the rules around amendments, transhipment and multi-seller chains are still unfamiliar to many shippers. Contact our team to talk through your specific shipment before you apply.
Submit your details and clear scanned copies of your documents through our online application form. We prepare and lodge the declaration on the KRA platform on your behalf.
Our team reviews your documents against Kenya’s requirements before submission, checking container details and HS codes, since these are among the most common grounds for rejection.
Once approved, you receive your 15-digit ACD reference code and validated certificate. The code follows the format ACDKE, the four-digit year, then a six-digit sequential number issued by KRA, for example ACDKE2026004324.
We confirm by email and provide the reference code for endorsement on your final Bill of Lading. The code must appear on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to Kenya.