Single EAC Customs Bond to ease regional cargo movement
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has said that all cross-border cargo movement in Kenya will be managed under a new East African Community (EAC) Customs Bond system, marking a major shift aimed at streamlining regional trade and reducing operational inefficiencies beginning next week, March 23, 2026.
In a notice issued Tuesday today, KRA announced that importers, exporters and customs brokers will now operate under a single financial guarantee, eliminating the need to secure separate bonds in each East African country.
The unified bond is expected to significantly cut delays at border points, lower administrative costs and simplify compliance for traders operating across multiple jurisdictions within the East African Community (EAC).
The rollout follows a resolution by the 47th Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI), as well as the official launch of the bond by President William Ruto, who currently serves as the outgoing EAC chairperson, on March 7.
“KRA and the East African Community will provide full support to stakeholders for a smooth transition and ensure all parties understand the updated processes,” the authority said, urging customs agents, freight forwarders and transporters to quickly align with the new system.
The EAC Customs Bond will be supported by technology similar to the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, allowing real-time monitoring of goods as they move across borders.
This is expected to enhance transparency and give revenue authorities—such as KRA and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)—as well as insurers and logistics operators greater visibility over shipments.
Officials say the improved tracking capability will help curb fraud, cargo diversion and non-compliance during transit, longstanding challenges in regional trade.
The bond will be accessible to importers, exporters, customs brokers and freight forwarders, serving as a financial guarantee to customs authorities and covering duties or penalties in cases of default.
KRA confirmed that all system upgrades have been completed ahead of the rollout and reiterated its readiness to support stakeholders, describing the new platform as a significant step toward more efficient, secure and integrated trade across East Africa.
