Each country has its own unique cargo tracking note, this is an example of an ECTN Certificate for Republic of Congo.
The cargo tracking note is a security and customs control measure required by African governments
Port security relies heavily on the presence of cargo tracking notes. So the destination port authorities are aware of what cargo is arriving and when.
Cargo tracking notes are required for customs clearance in port. If you do not have it prior to the deadline it could cause delays for the importer.
The cargo tracking note is important when the customs authorities are verifying that goods being imported meet all regulations.
Gather all required shipping documents, including your Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Export Declaration, and submit them to AfricaCTN.
Our team will review our documents and generate your draft ECTN and invoice.
Review all details on the draft ECTN carefully, let us know if it is approved or any further changes needed.
Your draft ECTN looks good, the next step it to pay the invoice so validation can begin.
Once all steps are complete, your final validated ECTN will be delivered straight to your inbox, no hard copy required.
A Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) is a mandatory document required when importing goods into more than 24 African countries. It is also known as ECTN, BESC, BSC, BIETC or ACD depending on the destination.
CTNs are used by more than 24 African countries to ensure port security, customs clearance and trade compliance.
Most CTNs include detailed shipment details from the bill of lading such as shipper name and address, consignee name and address, loading and port of discharge, cargo details, container numbers, ETA and ETD as well as information about the contents of the container and the goods value.
Typically, the shipper or freight forwarder is responsible for getting the CTN.
Many countries require the CTN be validated prior to vessel arrival, but some require it be validated as early as vessel departure. It is important to check with AfricaCTN to confirm the deadline before your shipment.
Shipments without a valid CTN may face delays and heavy penalties in port. It is important to meet all CTN regulations before your shipment arrives.
Yes, every bill of lading will require its own individual CTN and CTN number.
All countries require a few necessary documents such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice and freight invoice. Some countries may require additional documentation such as the packing list or customs declaration. It is important to check with AfricaCTN to make sure you have all the required documents.
CTN stands for Cargo Tracking Note
The normal process of issuing a CTN is that the shipper will gather all the required documents, upload them to AfricaCTNs secure portal or send them via email. AfricaCTN will issue the draft and invoice. The shipper will check and confirm all the details then it will be submitted to the port authorities for final validation.
Yes, ECTN and CTN are the same thing. Many countries will use different terms (FERI, BIETC, ACD, BESC, BSC) based on the language and how long the requirement has been in place. But rest assured, all the terms are all referring to a cargo tracking note.
Some countries will allow changes to the validated CTN while others do not. It is important to check with AfricaCTN on the regulations for your destination country.
You should apply at least 5 business days prior to the deadline. You can check the deadline for your final destination here.
A CTN number is a unique number associated with your shipment. Given by the port authorities when applying for your official cargo tracking note. This number will be presented when clearing the cargo at the destination port.
The pricing of a CTN Waiver Certifcate will vary depending on the loading port, destination port and the cargo being shipped.
