Traders shipping containerised cargo to Kenya will from August 3 be required to obtain a digital Advance Cargo Decla- ration (ACD) reference code before goods are loaded onto vessels, under new customs rules announced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). In a notice issued on Tuesday, KRA said the Advance Cargo Declaration platform will apply to all containerised cargo destined for Kenyan ports, including Mombasa and Lamu, as part of efforts to improve customs clearance, curb smuggling and enhance revenue collection. Under the new system, exporters must upload shipping documents before cargo leaves the country of origin. The platform will then generate an ACD reference code, which must be indicated on the Bill of Lading before a shipment is accepted for transport to Kenya. Mandatory documents include a draft Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice and Export Declaration. The changes will affect importers, exporters, shipping lines, ship owners, freight forwarders, customs and clearing agents, and international carriers. KRA said the platform builds on its pre-arrival clearance programme, which enables customs officers to assess cargo before it reaches Kenya, allowing compliant consignments to be cleared faster while high-risk shipments undergo further inspection. The programme was initially piloted with Authorised Economic Operators before being expanded. Mombasa clearing and forwarding agent John Kenga welcomed the move, saying: “If this process reduces the time taken to clear cargo and eliminates unnecessary delays, then it will be good for business (ICE NAIROBI)

Fonte notizia: Business Daily