Advance Cargo Declaration for Kenya
Submit cargo information before arrival to obtain an ACD reference code and support Customs processing for cargo destined to Kenya ports.
What is Advance Cargo Declaration?
The Advance Cargo Declaration — also known as CTN, ECTN, BSC or BESC — is a mandatory loading document that must accompany all shipments unloaded in Kenya, regardless of final destination. It provides detailed information about the cargo, vessel, and exporter before the goods arrive at the destination port.
Official Notice
The Kenya Revenue Authority - Customs and Border Control requires an Advance Cargo Declaration for all cargo destined to Kenya. The official launch circular with implementation dates and compliance requirements is published here.
Who needs an ACD?
Every shipment unloaded at a Kenya port must be covered by a validated declaration.
Importers & Exporters
Businesses shipping goods to Kenya.
Freight Forwarders
Agents preparing declarations on behalf of shippers.
Shipping Lines
Carriers and consolidators loading cargo for Kenyan ports.
Clearing Agents
Customs agents handling clearance at arrival.
Why it's required
The declaration ensures regulatory compliance, lets Customs track imports efficiently, and keeps the supply chain transparent.
Regulatory compliance
Meets customs requirements for cargo entering the country.
Cargo tracking
Authorities track shipments before they reach the port.
Supply-chain transparency
Verified cargo, vessel and exporter information end to end.
Faster clearance
A valid declaration speeds up customs clearance at arrival.
Failure to obtain an ACD can result in fines, delays, or the rejection of cargo at the port of entry — and in severe cases, seizure or confiscation.
How it works
The ACD must be obtained at the port of loading by the shipper, exporter or freight forwarder.
- 1
Register and submit your shipping documents
- 2
Obtain the ACD at the port of loading
- 3
Add the ACD reference code to all Bills of Lading
- 4
Clear your cargo at customs on arrival
Required documents
Prepare the following to apply. All submitted documents must be clear and readable, and ACD drafts should include container details and HS Codes.
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Export Declaration
System instructions
A step-by-step guide to registering, preparing and submitting your ACD applications on the portal.
Inside the ACD Portal
A self-service portal for preparing, submitting and tracking your declarations end to end.
- Submit declarations online with guided, step-by-step forms
- Track every declaration status from draft to approval
- Get notified as Customs reviews and validates your submission
- Manage documents, invoices and account balance in one place
Advance Cargo Declaration Requirements for Shipping Lines
The Kenya Revenue Authority's Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Platform will officially go live on Monday, 3 August 2026, for containerised cargo destined for Kenyan ports.
From this date, the shipper or exporter must apply for and obtain an ACD Reference Code at the port of loading before the cargo is loaded.
Responsibilities of Shipping Lines
Shipping lines, shipowners, carriers and appointed agents should:
- Inform shippers and booking parties of the ACD requirement.
- Request the ACD Reference Code before issuing the final Bill of Lading.
- Ensure the ACD Reference Code is correctly shown on the Bill of Lading.
- Direct shippers without a reference code to the official ACD Platform.
Required Documents
The shipper must submit the following documents through the ACD Platform:
- Draft Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Export Declaration
Once approved, the generated ACD Reference Code must be endorsed on the Bill of Lading before the shipment proceeds to Kenya.
Contact and Support
The Kenya Revenue Authority appreciates the cooperation of shipping lines, shipowners, carriers, shipping agents and exporters in supporting the implementation of the ACD Platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scope and effective date
Who applies
Cost and registration
The application itself
Carriers and the Bill of Lading
Apply for your ACD certificate today
Clear your cargo from customs with a valid Advance Cargo Declaration for Kenya.
Support
Official support for exporters, freight forwarders and clearing agents — provided on behalf of the Kenya Revenue Authority - Customs and Border Control.