Under this regulatory mandate, an ACD Reference Code must be secured prior to vessel loading and formally endorsed on the Bill of Lading before shipment departure.  

The requirement applies uniformly to all containerized imports entering Kenya. The ACD number is a 15-character alphanumeric identifier comprising a country code, two-digit year designation, and a KRA-issued sequential reference number.  

According to Maersk, shippers, exporters, and freight forwarders are required to: (i) register on the KRA’s official ACD online platform; (ii) submit the prescribed documentation—including the draft Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice, and export declaration; (iii) obtain and review a draft ACD; (iv) settle applicable statutory fees; and (v) receive the final validated ACD certificate prior to Bill of Lading issuance.  

Non-compliance with the ACD regulation may result in customs penalties, cargo detention, or significant delays in port clearance. Maersk strongly advises stakeholders to complete the entire ACD process well in advance of shipment to safeguard supply chain continuity and operational efficiency.  

Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/4CxUJyTgdfFYlUCrXyEVyg