In order to get the CNCA or ARCCLA Certificate for your shipment to Angola you will need a few key shipping documents. This article will cover the list of required documents, why they are needed and common errors we find on these documents.
Complete List of Required Documents
Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is the core document used to issue the ECTN for all west African countries. A few of the key things mentioned on the BL are:
- Shipper and Consignee name and address
- Notify party information
- Port of loading and discharge
- Container numbers and seal numbers
- Gross weight and volume
- Cargo description
- Packaging details
Tip: Ensure the BL matches the parties on the commercial and freight invoice exactly or you risk CTN rejection.
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is a document issued by the seller to the buyer. It includes information such as:
- Invoice number and date
- Currency
- Goods value
- Quantity sold
- Payment terms
Freight Invoice
The freight invoice is issued by the freight forwarder or shipping line. It will include:
- Freight value
- Incoterms
- Currency
Tip: The freight invoice is not required if the freight value is noted on the commercial invoice
Documento Unico (DU)
The DU is the Angolan Import License. It can be obtained from the consignee in Angola.
ARCCLA Form
Contains details about the cargo that can be found on the shipment documents. The ARCCLA form is an excel template that can be downloaded here. Or AfricaCTN can complete this form on your behalf for an additional fee.
Why Are These Documents Required?
These documents are required to provide the port authorities with all the information needed to ensure smooth customs clearance. This way they know what goods are arriving, how much and if there are any restrictions related to the shipment.
Common Document Errors
AfricaCTN finds a few common errors between documents that can cause delays when shipping to Angola:
- Mismatched parties between the BL, commercial and freight invoice
- Incorrect or expired DU
- Missing weight on the BL
- Incorrect invoice totals
These issues are preventable by checking each document carefully before submission.
Final Words
The required documents for Angola CNCA are BL, commercial invoice, freight invoice, DU and ARCCLA form. Submitting accurate documents is essential for quick validation and avoiding costly delays.
For a complete overview and link to submit your CNCA application, visit the full guide here.
