NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that the East African Community (EAC) Customs Bond will be implemented from March 23, 2026, marking a major milestone in regional trade facilitation following its launch by the bloc’s leaders earlier this month.
The rollout follows the official launch of the EAC Customs Bond by President William Ruto, then outgoing chair of the East African Community Heads of State, during the 25th Ordinary Summit in Arusha, Tanzania.
The bond was directed for implementation by the region’s 47th Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI).
Under the new system, importers, exporters, clearing agents and freight forwarders will use a single regional customs bond rather than obtaining separate guarantees in each Partner State.
Following the launch of the East African Community Customs Bond by the East African Community Heads of State, we wish to inform all Customs agents that the bond will be rolled out effective 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.We have finalized all system enhancements to support
Authorities say the unified bond will help streamline cross‑border cargo movement, reduce delays and simplify compliance across the EAC.
KRA said it has completed all required system enhancements and will work closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition to the new bond structure.
“We remain committed to facilitating seamless regional trade and improving service delivery,” the authority said in its announcement.
The Customs Bond is part of broader efforts under the EAC Single Customs Territory, a framework designed to harmonize customs procedures across the region and foster deeper economic integration.
Traders and cargo operators are expected to quickly adapt to the new procedures as the rollout date approaches.
