To request a Benin BESC for your shipment you will need the BL, commercial invoice, freight invoice, export declaration and vehicle titles (if applicable).
This article will cover the list of required documents, why they are needed, common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Complete List of Required Documents
Bill of Lading
The BL is the core document for all ECTN required countries. It contains shipment specific information such as:
- 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
It is important that all supporting documentation matches the BL to prevent any BESC validation issues.
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice shows the value of the goods, information about the buyer and seller and other key details such as:
- Invoice number and date
- Currency
- Quantity sold
- Payment terms
Freight Invoice
The freight invoice is issued by the carrier or freight forwarder and will show the incoterm, cost of ocean freight and any other supplemental costs related to the movement of the cargo.
Export Declaration
The export declaration is issued from the loading countries government portal. It can be called an EEI, AES, EDI and a few other names. It is required for all shipments to Benin regardless of loading port.
Vehicle Titles (if applicable)
When shipping vehicles to Benin the title of the vehicle is required. The title is obtained from the seller of the vehicle and must have the VIN number noted on it.
Why are These Documents Requried?
Benin requires these documents to validate the CTN to ensure the port authorities have all the information they need regarding your shipment before it arrived. It helps speed customs clearance and prevent delays in port.
Common Document Errors
A few common errors we find when receiving Benin BESC requests are:
- VIN Number not matching between documents (when shipping vehicles)
- Not having the export declaration
- Missing or incorrect weight noted on the BL
Tip: Ensure you have all your documents well in advance of the validation deadline to prevent any delays when filing the BESC. You should send your documents to AfricaCTN as soon as you receive them to confirm that all necessary details are present.
Summary
The required documents for a Benin BESC are the BL, commercial invoice, freight invoice, export declaration and vehicle titles (if applicable). Submitting complete and accurate documents is critical for quick validation and avoiding costly delays.
For a complete overview and link to submit your Benin BESC application, visit the full guide here.
