The Benin BESC Certificate also known as Benin ECTN is required for all ocean shipments destined for Benin. It is obtained through AfricaCTN, the Global ECTN Provider.
For additional inquiries please contact us at info@africactn.com.
Getting Started
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the shipper or freight forwarder to obtain the validated BESC and provide it to the importer.
Validation Deadline
The ECTN / BESC Certificate must be validated prior to vessel arrival in the discharge port.
Key Information
- No key information for Benin
In Transit Shipments
In transit refers to a shipment that discharges in one country and its final destination is in another country.
- Benin requires an ECTN for all in transit shipments
Common discharge ports for these shipments include:
- Cotonou
- Lome
- Lagos
Required Documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Export Declaration or Customs Declaration
- Vehicle Titles (if applicable)
Application Process
First, you must gather digital copies of the required documents as mentioned above. Then you can proceed with the application process:
- Submit: Send all the necessary documents to AfricaCTN via email or online
- Draft & Invoice: You will receive a draft copy of your ECTN and invoice
- Approve: Check and confirm all details on the draft ECTN
- Pay: Make payment of the invoice so validation can begin
- Final Validation: Receive your final validated ECTN ready for customs clearance
Validation & Approval Process
Validation of a BESC certificate is the process in which the certificate moves from a draft copy to a final copy. In order to begin validation two things must happen:
- Approval: The customer must check and confirm all details on the draft copy, ensure they match the shipping documents provided and notify AfricaCTN that the draft has been approved.
- Payment: The invoice must be paid before validation can begin.
Once these two steps are complete, AfricaCTN will release the final validated BESC certificate ready for customs clearance.
Timeline
| Step of the Process | How Long it Takes |
|---|---|
| 1. Submit | Customer Action |
| 2. Draft & Invoice | 2-4 business hours |
| 3. Approve | Customer Action |
| 4. Pay | Customer Action |
| 5. Final Validation | 24-48 business hours |
Special Cases & Regulations
There are no special cases or regulations for Benin BESC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a Benin BESC certificate cost in 2026?
Benin ECTN / BESC price varies based on the goods being shipped and the size of the container. Check with AfricaCTN to determine the cost of your BESC for all loading ports.
What is the validity period of a Benin ECTN?
Each Benin ECTN is valid for the bill of lading it was issued for, after that cargo has cleared, the ECTN cannot be used on another shipment.