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Maersk New Customs Rules 2026: Mandatory Pre-Application Codes for Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan Import & Export Cargo

Maersk Line, one of the world’s top shipping carriers, has officially released updated global logistics compliance notices, rolling out brand-new mandatory customs regulations for Egypt export, Kenya import, and Pakistan import shipments. Starting from the scheduled effective dates, all cross-border goods transported to these three countries must complete pre-loading application, verification and declaration of exclusive official customs codes. Staying updated with these 2026 latest international shipping customs regulations is essential for all shippers to ensure smooth shipment execution.

Non-compliance with the latest customs rules will directly cause booking rejection, customs fines, cargo detention and long clearance delays, severely affecting supply chain efficiency. To help foreign trade companies and freight forwarders achieve full cross-border shipping compliance and avoid economic losses, this article comprehensively sorts out the effective dates, applicable scope, detailed application procedures and penalty rules of Egypt UCR shipping code, Kenya ACD declaration code and Pakistan consignee ID verification requirements.

1. Egypt Customs Rule: Mandatory UCR Unique Consignment Reference for Export Cargo

Under the new export management mechanism of Egypt’s official single-window platform NAFEZA, all sea freight export cargo departing for Egyptian ports must comply with updated booking standards. The country has fully enforced mandatory verification of theUnique Consignment Reference (UCR), making it a core prerequisite for legal customs clearance and cargo shipment, which is critical formandatory UCR number for Egypt sea export cargo.

1.1 Official Effective Date

The new rule has been officially implemented since July 17, 2026.

1.2 Core Compliance Requirements

Every valid Egypt export shipment must be attached with an official 19-digit UCR shipping code. This exclusive identification code supports full electronic customs review, trade compliance verification and whole-process cargo tracking. It is a mandatory document recognized by Egyptian customs, and no sea freight export business can be processed without a valid UCR number.

1.3 Standard Application & Submission Method

Exporters must apply for and obtain a valid UCR code via the NAFEZA official platform before submitting Maersk booking applications. Different booking channels have standardized filling specifications to ensure accurate customs data synchronization:

Maersk.com self-service platform: Fill in the UCR number in the designated reference field
INTTRA or EDI third-party platforms: Input the valid UCR code in the remark field

1.4 Strict Restrictions After Booking Confirmation

Once the Maersk booking is confirmed and locked, the system prohibits any modification of UCR codes and shipper information. If data adjustment is required, shippers must cancel the original order and rebook, subject to real-time cabin availability. Additionally, split booking services for Egypt export cargo are permanently suspended, further standardizing Egypt sea freight compliance operations.

1.5 Non-Compliance Consequences

Bookings with missing, invalid or incorrect UCR information will be automatically rejected or canceled by Maersk. Non-compliant operations will disrupt shipment schedules and generate additional logistics costs, which is the main reason for Egypt export cargo shipping delays.

Maersk New Customs Rules 2026: Mandatory Pre-Application Codes for Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan Import & Export Cargo 1

2. Kenya Customs Rule: Mandatory ACD Reference Code for Import Container Cargo

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has officially launched the mandatory Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) platform, implementing full pre-loading declaration supervision for all containerized import cargo destined for Kenya. The Kenya ACD certificate, also known as CTN, ECTN, BSC or BESC in global logistics, is a mandatory compliance document for China to Kenya sea freight shipping. Mastering the Kenya ACD reference code application process is a must for all exporters shipping to Kenya.

2.1 Official Effective Date

Fully implemented from August 3, 2026.

2.2 Applicable Scope

This regulation is exclusively applicable to containerized import cargo unloaded at Kenyan ports. Official KRA rules clearly define exclusion scopes: ACD declaration is not required for transit cargo passing through Kenya, air freight, road freight, RORO and bulk cargo, as well as empty containers imported for subsequent re-export, helping shippers accurately judgeKenya shipping compliance standards.

2.3 Core Compliance Requirements

Prior to cargo loading, shippers, exporters or authorized freight forwarders must complete ACD declaration on the official platform and obtain a valid 15-digit alphanumeric ACD reference code. The qualified code must be accurately endorsed on the final bill of lading to pass Kenya customs compliance verification.

ACD Code Standard Format: ACDKE + 4-digit year + 6-digit serial number (e.g., ACDKE2026004324), with ACDKE as the fixed official prefix for Kenya cargo declaration.

2.4 Complete ACD Application Process

The entire ACD application procedure must be completed at the port of loading before shipment. All draft declarations must be attached with accurate container data and HS Codes to avoid review rejection. The standardized official application process on the Kenya ACD platform is as follows:

Register and authenticate an account on the official Kenya ACD platform: https://acd.kra.go.ke
Upload complete supporting documents including draft bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and export declaration form to generate ACD draft
Pass official review and pay the prescribed fee to obtain the final valid ACD certificate and reference code
Endorse and print the approved 15-digit ACD reference code on the final bill of lading to ensure 100% accurate display

2.5 Official Responsibilities of Shipping Lines & Carriers

Kenya KRA has clarified clear obligations for all shipping lines and carriers: actively notify shippers of mandatory ACD rules, verify valid ACD codes before issuing final bills of lading, ensure accurate code endorsement on all shipping documents, and guide non-compliant customers to complete platform applications, standardizing the whole Kenya import cargo declaration process.

2.6 Comprehensive Non-Compliance Consequences

Failure to apply for a valid ACD code will lead to entry port rejection, customs fines and serious clearance delays. In severe cases, non-compliant cargo will face official seizure and confiscation. A valid ACD declaration supports customs cargo tracking, supply chain transparency and fast clearance, effectively helping shippers avoid cargo delay with customs compliance codes.

3. Pakistan Customs Rule: Mandatory Consignee ID Information for All Import Cargo

Pakistan Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued SRO 882(I)/2026 and SRO 918(I)/2026, officially upgrading the import declaration system. The new rules mandate strict consignee identity verification for all import cargo, making Pakistan import cargo ID verification a core compliance requirement for all sea and land shipments to Pakistan.

3.1 Official Effective Date

Officially implemented from August 15, 2026.

3.2 Applicable Scope

All import cargo arriving at Pakistan seaports and border customs stations, covering all types of sea and land import shipments.

3.3 Core Compliance Requirements

All Pakistan-bound import cargo must record valid consignee identity numbers in both the Import General Manifest (IGM) and bill of lading for customs filing. According to different import subjects and cargo attributes, shippers can select one of four officially recognized identification types, fully meeting Pakistan import consignee ID requirements:

NTN (National Tax Number): Applicable for regular commercial import business
FTN (Tax Exempt Number): Applicable for tax-exempt institutional entities
CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card): Applicable for personal goods shipments
Passport Number: Applicable for special shipments such as diplomatic goods

3.4 Standard Submission Method

Before the full upgrade of Pakistan’s single-window customs system, shippers must fill in the verified consignee ID number in the consignee file address field when submitting Shipping Instructions (SI), and add the official matching prefix at the beginning of cargo descriptions to ensure document consistency and compliance.

3.5 Non-Compliance Consequences

Missing, wrong or inconsistent consignee ID information will cause IGM submission failure, bill of lading rejection and cargo release suspension. Non-compliant shipments may be refused loading at the origin port or fail to unload at Pakistan ports, resulting in cargo detention, order delays and substantial economic losses for foreign trade enterprises.

4. Important Supplementary Compliance Instructions for Foreign Trade Shippers

All the above new customs regulations of Egypt, Kenya and Pakistan are mandatory official regulatory requirements issued by national customs authorities, with compulsory execution standards for global shippers, freight forwarders and booking agencies.

All three-country customs policies are mandatory official regulations, applicable to global shippers, freight forwarders and booking agencies. Enterprises are advised to sort pending shipments in advance, complete code application and document verification in strict accordance with Maersk new customs rules 2026, and ensure 100% consistent cargo and document information. Standardized cross-border declaration operations can effectively avoid fines and delays, ensuring stable and efficient global supply chain transportation.

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