The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to roll out the EAC Customs Bond, requiring cross-border traders to adopt a new regional customs bond from March 23, aimed at tightening compliance and easing cargo movement across East Africa.
According to KRA, the move follows the decision of the East African Community’s 47th Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance & Investment (SCTIFI) and the official launch of the East African Community (EAC) customs bond by President William Ruto, who is the outgoing chairperson of the East African Community, on March 7.
“Following the decision of the East African Community’s 47th Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance & Investment (SCTIFI), and the official launch of the East African Community (EAC) customs bond by the outgoing Chairperson of the EAC Summit Heads of State and President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Hon. William Ruto, PhD, CGH on 7th March, 2026, the Kenya Revenue Authority hereby informs all Customs Agents that the EAC Bond will be rolled out effective 23rd March, 2026,” stated KRA.
According to KRA, the new system is expected to directly impact customs agents, freight forwarders, and transporters who handle cross-border cargo, requiring them to adapt quickly to updated processes designed to streamline trade operations within the region.
KRA indicates that the implementation will be jointly undertaken by KRA and bodies within the East African region.
“KRA, together with the East African Community, will support the smooth implementation and provide all the necessary support,” stated the KRA.
Moreover, the tax agency adds that for better transition and management of the new changes, it shall continue to support and sensitise the customs agents and all relevant stakeholders.
EAC affirms that the bond system introduces a unified financial guarantee that will cover multiple East African countries, reducing the need for separate bonds when goods move across different jurisdictions within the bloc.
This shift, according to EAC, is expected to lower administrative burdens for traders who previously had to secure individual guarantees in each country, often leading to delays, duplication, and increased operational costs.
At the centre of the new system is technology similar to the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, which allows real-time tracking, monitoring, and reporting of goods as they move across borders.
Through this integration, revenue authorities like KRA and Ugandan Revenue Authority (URA), insurers, and logistics players will gain enhanced visibility over cargo, improving risk management and reducing cases of diversion, fraud, or non-compliance during transit.
EAC further confirms that Customs bonds can be obtained by importers, exporters, and other parties involved in international trade, such as customs brokers or freight forwarders.
These bonds help facilitate trade by providing assurance to customs authorities and mitigating the financial risks associated with the movement of goods across borders. In the event of non-compliance or default, customs bonds can be used to cover any unpaid duties or penalties.
With this in mind, KRA says all necessary system upgrades have already been completed, clearing the way for a smooth transition as stakeholders begin using the new bond platform for cargo movement across East African borders.
