The Cameroon BESC is a mandatory waiver certificate required for all shipments with a final destination of Cameroon. It is the responsibility of the shipper or freight forwarder to obtain the BESC.
This guide explains how to get the Cameroon BESC, the required documents and steps involved from submission to final validation.
Overview of the BESC Filing Process
This is an overview of the general procedure that all BESC go through to get to a final validated certificate. Each step must be completed in order for the authorities to release the validated BESC.
Step 1: Submit Required Documents
To begin your Cameroon BESC you must submit the required documents to AfricaCTN via email or our secure CTN dashboard. The required documents are BL, commercial invoice, freight invoice and the consignee’s TaxID and PR number.
Step 2: Receive Draft BESC and Invoice
Once we receive the documents, we will issue your draft BESC and invoice. You will receive them on the same day you submit the documents, typically within a few hours of submission.
Step 3: Approve the Draft BESC
Now that you have the draft BESC, check and confirm all the details on the BESC. Make sure they match between the BL, commercial invoice and freight invoice. If there are any discrepancies please let AfricaCTN know immediately. Once all details are correct, you must approve the draft.
Step 4: Pay the Invoice
Once the draft BESC is approved, you will then make payment of the invoice so the validation process can begin. The payment details will be noted at the bottom of your invoice. If you have any questions during this process, feel free to give us a call.
Step 5: Receive the Final Validation
Once all steps are complete, AfricaCTN will validate your Cameroon BESC by sending it to the port authorities. This process typically takes 24-48 hours until the authorities release the final validation. You will receive the final validated BESC in your email inbox as soon as it is released, no hard copy required.
Validation Deadline
The validation deadline for Cameroon BESC is 5 days prior to vessel arrival. It is important to meet this deadline, or else there will be a fine that is 200% the cost of the BESC once you arrive in port.
Summary
The required documents to submit a Cameroon BESC are the BL, commercial invoice, freight invoice and the consignee’s TaxID and PR number. You must complete the BESC at least 5 days prior to vessel arrival. The process is as follows: submit the docs, receive the draft and invoice, approve the draft, pay the invoice and receive the final validation.
For a complete overview and link to submit your Cameroon BESC application, visit the full guide here.
