All maritime shipments with Kenya as the final destination require a mandatory Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD). This framework, enacted by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), is strictly required for all containerized cargo bound for Kenyan port jurisdictions (including the Port of Mombasa, Port of Lamu) for customs monitoring and clearance procedures.
Port of Mombasa is the largest and busiest gateway to East and Central Africa. It features 22 berths and connects to over 80 global ports.
Compliance Checklist
Mandatory Status: Required for all containerized cargo entering Kenya as of August 3, 2026.
Origin Processing: Shippers must generate the official ACD reference code at the port of loading prior to departure.
Documentation: The verified ACD code must be explicitly stated on the final Bill of Lading before arrival.
Operational Risk: Shipments without a verified ACD code face immediate cargo holds, heavy fines, and severe port delays.
Regulatory Notice: As these frameworks are subject to ongoing refinement by the authorities upon official launch, please consult the Pelship Team directly for continuous, real-time compliance guidance.
The Pelship Promise: In a landscape of shifting rules, we serve as your Knowledge Hub. We verify every change at the source, ensuring that your compliance is handled with care and proper guidance.
Protect your supply chain and prevent costly delays by submitting your high-resolution PDF documents (under 2MB per file) to the Pelship Team today for expert drafting and compliance validation.
Documents required:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice (if incoterms and rate not included in the CI)
- Export Customs Declaration: Complete data alignment across all supplied paperwork is vital to secure the official ACD number.