How to Apply for Kenya Mandatory ACD Certificate

Effective Date: 3rd August 2026

Scope & Core Mandatory Rule:

All containerized cargo shipped to Kenya must obtain a valid ACD Reference Code prior to container loading on board. Without this code, cargo will be prohibited from loading and shipment. This is a strict mandatory regulatory requirement with zero exceptions, not a recommended practice.

1. Core New Regulation: Obtain ACD Code Before Loading & Print Code on Bill of Lading

This regulation covers all supply chain participants, including importers, exporters, shipowners, ocean carriers, shipping agents, customs brokers, freight forwarders and all logistics service providers.

2. Standard Operation Flow: 4 Core Documents with Fully Consistent Information

Step 1 Document Submission

1. Draft Bill of Lading
2. Commercial Invoice
3. Freight Invoice

4. Export Declaration

5. 
   

Step 2 ACD Draft & Original Issuance

Step 3 Submit Official ACD to Freight Forwarder

Step 4 Destination Customs Clearance

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if the cargo value on China’s export customs declaration (for tax refund) differs from the value requested by the Kenyan importer?

As professional certification service providers for African customs compliance, our sales team will offer tailored, compliant solutions upon your consultation.

Q2: Can shipments departing on or after 3 August clear Kenyan customs with only a PVOC Certificate without ACD documentation?

Q3: If carriers only issue the Draft Bill of Lading after vessel departure, how to comply with ACD filing rules?

Contact our sales team directly; we will provide customized solutions based on your specific shipment schedule and carrier policy.

Q4: Is ACD required for cargo transiting Mombasa, Kenya en route to Kampala, Uganda?

1. Uganda National Bureau of Standards does not require ACD documentation for Uganda customs clearance at present.
2. However, many shipping lines mandate a valid ACD Reference Code to issue original Bills of Lading for cargo passing through the Port of Mombasa. We offer full ACD filing support for such transit shipments.

4. Real Shipment Timeline Example (Standard Weekly Schedule)

• Monday (SI Cut-off Date)

  Exporters prepare full customs documents (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Contract, HS Code specifications) and submit full Shipping Instructions (SI). Freight forwarders release the Draft Bill of Lading on the same day.
• Tuesday

  Confirm all details on Draft B/L; arrange container trucking. Submit four mandatory documents to us: Draft Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice and Export Declaration, with consistent data across all files.
• Wednesday (CY Cut-off / Port Cut-off)

  Loaded containers arrive at terminal for gate-in; customs broker submits export declaration and obtains customs release confirmation on the same day. We issue the ACD draft for your review, then release the official ACD document with unique ACD Reference Code after confirmation. Exporters forward the official ACD to the shipping line for ACD code notation on B/L.
• Thursday (Customs Closing Cut-off)

  Customs closes all declaration submissions; no further ACD filing applications will be accepted for this vessel.
• Friday (Vessel ETD / Sailing Date)

  Vessel departs origin port; customs closes export filing system.
• Next Monday to Tuesday (1–3 working days post departure)

  Electronic telex release Bill of Lading (marked with ACD code) or original hard-copy B/L available for collection. Exporters may download the full electronic Export Declaration from China’s E-port system, while freight forwarders provide hard-copy customs declaration documents for export tax refund applications.