The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the rollout of a new Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) platform that will be used for all containerised cargo destined for Kenyan ports.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, July 14, the tax authority said the platform is now available and will officially go live on Monday, August 3, marking a significant step in the digitisation of cargo clearance procedures.
Under the new system, exporters shipping containerised cargo to Kenya will be required to obtain an Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) reference code before loading their consignments for shipment.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Photo: Courtesy.
To receive the reference code, exporters must register and submit the required shipping documents through the online ACD platform.
The mandatory documents include a Draft Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice and Export Declaration.
KRA explained that the ACD reference code will only be generated after the uploaded documents have been verified through the platform.
Once issued, the code must be endorsed on the Bill of Lading before the cargo is allowed to proceed to a Kenyan port.
The authority noted that the new digital system is intended to improve cargo visibility, enhance compliance and streamline the clearance process by allowing authorities to receive shipment information before cargo arrives in the country.
KRA has advised exporters, shipping agents and other stakeholders involved in international trade to familiarise themselves with the new platform before its implementation date to avoid disruptions in cargo movement.
The tax authority also urged users to follow the declaration procedures provided on the ACD platform and seek assistance through its official support channels whenever necessary.
Additionally, KRA cautioned stakeholders to ensure that all payments made through the system are properly received, credited and validated in the designated KRA accounts, noting that it will not be held responsible for payments that fail to meet those requirements.
