E-Chain

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that effective 3 August 2026, all containerized import cargo shipped to Kenyan ports must complete the Advance Cargo Declaration prior to loading, obtain an ACD Reference Code and have the code indicated on the Bill of Lading. Failure to comply risks shipment rejection, customs clearance delays and additional charges. ACD (Advance Cargo Declaration) is a pre-loading electronic filing mechanism. It requires exporters to submit cargo information electronically to Kenya Customs before goods are loaded onboard at the port of loading. This enables regulatory authorities to conduct risk analysis and import vetting, so as to improve clearance efficiency and strengthen trade supervision. The new platform applies to all containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports. The ACD Reference Code is a 15-character alphanumeric string, exemplified by ACDKE2026004324. ACDKE: fixed 5-character prefix (ACD plus Kenya country code) 2026: 4-digit year 004324: 6-digit sequential serial number This code constitutes mandatory information to be obtained prior to Bill of Lading issuance. Shippers, exporters or freight forwarders shall follow the procedures below: Register on the official Kenya ACD platform; Upload relevant documents to generate a draft ACD; Pass review, settle applicable fees and obtain the final valid ACD Certificate and Reference Code; Confirm the 15-digit ACD Reference Code is correctly shown on the final Bill of Lading before arranging cargo export. Required documents for application include the draft Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and export declaration. With the official rollout of Kenya’s ACD regime, all parties involved in shipments to Kenya need to adjust operational workflows. Industry recommendations for key attention: Reserve sufficient lead time for ACD application during booking; Strengthen document consistency: information on the commercial invoice, draft Bill of Lading and export declaration must match; Freight forwarders shall remind clients to complete ACD filings in advance to avoid loading disruptions caused by incomplete documents; Carriers must verify correct entry of the ACD Reference Code before issuing Bills of Lading; Enterprises with long-term export business to East Africa are advised to incorporate ACD procedures into standard export workflows to mitigate future compliance risks.

Shipping Advisory Notice: Impact of Earthquake in La Guaira and POD Adjustment Recommendation In light of the recent earthquake in La Guaira, local infrastructure and port operations may be affected to varying degrees. To ensure safer and more stable transportation, the following guidance is issued regarding bookings with La Guaira as the Port of Discharge (POD): 1. Booking Recommendation Adjustment For new bookings with La Guaira as POD, it is recommended to prioritize rebooking to an alternative port, Puerto Cabello, in order to reduce risks of delay or disruption caused by force majeure events. 2. Potential Port Discharge Adjustment Risk If customers insist on maintaining La Guaira as the POD, please be advised that: After vessel departure, due to port conditions or safety assessments under force majeure circumstances Cargo may be temporarily discharged or diverted to Puerto Cabello Actual operations shall be subject to the latest instructions from the shipping line and local port authorities 3. Roll-over / Cancellation Requirement and Liability Notice If customers cannot accept the potential temporary change of discharge port mentioned above, they must arrange cargo cancellation or booking amendment prior to vessel departure. Bookings not cancelled or amended before vessel sailing shall be deemed as acceptance of the above potential diversion arrangements.

CPSC + CBP Joint Rule: Starting July 8, 2026, eFiling is MANDATORY for all CPSC-regulated products before U.S. import. Non-compliance (no filing or incorrect data) will lead to detention, forced return, or fines.