ECTN stands for ‘Electronic Cargo Tracking Note’. It is a required document issued by AfricaCTN prior to vessel arrival in 25+ African countries.
The ECTN is also commonly known as: BESC, BSC, CTN Certificate, FERI, CNCA, BIETC, ENS, Loading Certificate, Bordereau électronique de Suivi de Cargaison, Waiver Document
The ECTN provides port and customs authorities with key shipment details, including the shipper and consignee, cargo description, weight and volume, vessel and voyage information, shipping line, cargo value and HS codes.
Electronic Cargo Tracking Note Requirements
To obtain an ECTN Certificate you must first gather the necessary documents:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Customs Declaration
Optional Additional Documents: Packing List, Certificate of Origin
A Valid ECTN is required when shipping to the following countries:
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
ECTN Waiver Application Process
To begin, gather the required documents. Keeping in mind the issuance of the final validation must be complete prior to vessel arrival in the destination port.
Submit: Send the required documents to AfricaCTN via email or online
Draft & Invoice: Receive the draft ECTN and invoice
Approve: Check and confirm all details on the draft ECTN
Pay: Make payment of the invoice so validation can begin
Validation: Receive the final validated ECTN and ECTN number ready for customs clearance in the destination country
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Without a valid ECTN your shipment will face:
- Long Delays: Cargo will be held at the destination port until a valid ECTN is issued
- Heavy Fines: The importer will have to settle heavy fines at the destination port
- Extra Costs: In some cases, your shipment will accrue demurrage charges while the ECTN is being completed
Simplify Your ECTN Process with AfricaCTN
Shippers and freight forwarders worldwide simplify their ECTN applications by using AfricaCTN for shipments from any loading port to any destination country requiring an ECTN. By choosing AfricaCTN you will get:
- Fast Turnaround: AfricaCTN has the fastest response time in the industry
- Less Errors: AfricaCTN has more than 98% accuracy across all ECTNs issued
- No Delays: We track your shipment daily to ensure your ECTN is completed on time
- Personal Service: You can reach us by phone, WhatsApp and email any time you need assistance
Contact AfricaCTN today to help simplify your ECTN process.
