KRA’s New Advance Cargo Declaration System Sparks Supply Chain Concerns Across Southern Africa
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced a mandatory digital Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system for containerised imports, prompting concerns from regional freight operators over the short implementation timeline and possible supply chain disruptions.
The Road Freight Association (RFA) warned that the rapid rollout could create bottlenecks at ports and increase costs for transport operators moving cargo to Kenya.
Under the new requirements, which become effective on 3 August, all containerised cargo destined for Kenyan ports must be declared before loading.
Exporters are required to submit key documents, including a draft bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and export declaration, through the ACD platform to receive a unique reference code.
The ACD reference number must then be included on the bill of lading before cargo can be shipped.
RFA CEO Gavin Kelly said the association supports customs digitalisation and initiatives aligned with the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework but stressed that such systems must improve trade efficiency rather than create additional barriers.
Although the system targets maritime cargo, Kelly said it will directly affect inland transport operators.
Containers moving from South Africa to Kenya, for example, will require the ACD reference code before leaving export depots, meaning documentation must be completed earlier in the logistics process.
He warned that delays in obtaining approval codes could slow cargo movement, increase transporter waiting times and add costs through extended turnaround periods.
The RFA has raised the matter with the Kenya Revenue Authority, the South African High Commission in Kenya, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa, calling for greater industry consultation and a phased implementation approach.
“Three weeks is a very tight window for a mandatory new digital system,” Kelly said, warning that containers without valid ACD codes could face delays before loading or upon arrival in Kenya, resulting in additional demurrage, storage charges and operational disruptions.
Call for Regional Coordination
The RFA also expressed concern that similar customs digitalisation initiatives are being introduced separately across the region, including in Zambia and Botswana, without a coordinated regional framework.
Kelly said multiple national platforms could unintentionally create non-tariff barriers by increasing compliance complexity for cross-border operators.
The association urged governments to work towards harmonised regional standards rather than developing separate systems that place additional administrative pressure on logistics operators.
The freight industry is already dealing with challenges such as congestion at key border crossings, including Beitbridge, Kazungula and Chirundu, as well as delays affecting access to the Port of Durban.
Industry stakeholders fear that introducing another mandatory digital compliance step without sufficient preparation could add further pressure to regional supply chains before the benefits of faster cargo clearance are realised.
