The Ghana ECTN / SPN will be required for all shipments entering Ghana beginning on February 1, 2026. The ECTN Certificate (electronic cargo tracking note) is a required document when importing into 25+ African countries which provides the customs authorities with information like the:
- Shipper and Consignee / Importer
- Goods Details (weight, volume, description)
- Loading and Discharge Ports
Without the Ghana SPN / ECTN issued at the port of loading your shipment will face fines and penalties enforced by the port authorities. All freight forwarders, shipping lines, and exporters should be aware of this requirement.
Requirements for Ghana ECTN
The Ghana ECTN is required for all shipments entering Ghana, regardless of final destination. This includes shipments in transit to Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, or Ivory Coast.
Gather the Required Documents
- Original Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Export Declaration or Customs Declaration
- Packing List (optional)
The Application Process
- Submit: Provide AfricaCTN with the required documents online or via email
- Draft & Invoice: Receive the draft CTN and invoice
- Approve: Check and confirm all details of the draft SPN / ECTN
- Pay: Make payment of the invoice so validation can begin
- Valid ECTN: Issuance of the final validated ECTN ready for customs clearance
After Validation is Complete
- The SPN number must be inserted on the bill of lading
- The shipping line must insert the SPN number on the cargo manifest
Purpose of Ghana ECTN / SPN Certificate (Smart Port Note)
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP) alongside the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) announced the SPN requirement to:
- Enhance Port Security
- Easier Customs Clearance
- Gather Statistical Data on Imports
Penalties for Shipments Without a Valid ECTN / SPN
If a shipper or freight forwarder fails to obtain a valid ECTN Waiver at the port of loading, the shipment will face:
- Fines or Penalties to the Shipper
- Fines or Penalties to the Shipping Line
- Delays at the Destination Port
Why Shippers Get Ghana ECTN with AfricaCTN
Shippers around the globe trust AfricaCTN to handle the ECTN for all their shipments because:
- Authorized Agent: AfricaCTN is the authorized agent for Ghana ECTN issuance
- Rapid Response: AfricaCTN responds to all emails within just a few hours
- Accuracy: AfricaCTN has 99% accuracy across all ECTNs issued
- Personal Service: Our team of experts are available to answer questions on the phone, WhatsApp or by email whenever you need us
Summary
All shipments entering Ghana with a shipped on board date of February 1, 2026 or later will require an ECTN regardless of final destination. You can obtain the SPN / ECTN at the port of loading by filing online or via email with AfricaCTN (info@africactn.com). To begin, you will need the BL, commercial invoice, freight invoice and customs declaration.
For more information on how to apply for the Ghana SPN, visit our full guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What countries require the ECTN?
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Yemen
Alternate names for ECTN certificate?
CTN, Waiver, ECTN, BESC, BSC, BIETC, CNCA, ARCCLA, ENS, FERI
What are the penalties for not having an ECTN for shipments to Ghana?
Your shipment will face fines and delays at the destination port until a valid ECTN is issued.
How can you get Ghana ECTN
Submit the required documents to AfricaCTN, receive a draft and invoice, approve the draft, pay the invoice, receive the final validation.
Who needs a Ghana ECTN?
All shippers, freight forwarders and exporters shipping goods into Ghana must obtain a valid ECTN issued at the port of loading
