Carriers will be required to validate Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) reference numbers before loading Kenya-bound containers from September 1, with non-compliant cargo at risk of being rolled to a later vessel.
Maersk advised customers this week that, under the next phase of Kenya's ACD requirements, vessel carriers would have to ensure that containers were loaded at origin only once a valid ACD reference number had been obtained.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) introduced the ACD platform on August 3 for all containerised cargo destined for Kenyan ports.
Under the requirements, shippers, exporters or freight forwarders must obtain an ACD reference number before cargo is dispatched to Kenya and ensure that the 15-digit alphanumeric code is endorsed on the final bill of lading.
Documents required to obtain the reference number include a draft bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and export declaration.
Maersk warned that, from September 1, containers without a valid ACD number would not be eligible for loading and could be rolled to a subsequent vessel. Importers could also face customs penalties or other regulatory action for non-compliance.
KRA has warned that failure to comply with ACD requirements could result in cargo delays, fines or rejection at the port of entry.
The ACD system is intended to give Kenyan authorities advance information on incoming containerised cargo to support customs processing and risk management.
