A Cargo Tracking Note is a mandatory document for ocean freight shipments going to 25+ African countries. It helps prevent delays in port, facilitates smooth customs clearance and without it your shipment could face heavy penalties.
draft issuance
If your shipment is on the water, please contact AfricaCTN to ensure your CTN is validated prior to the deadline.
AfricaCTN is an authorized agent and provides the cargo tracking note for all 25+ countries that require it. The process is simple, submit your documents, receive the draft CTN and invoice, approve the draft, pay the invoice and receive the final validated waiver certificate.
You can contact AfricaCTN on WhatsApp for quick assistance for your shipment.
The cargo tracking note is a security and customs control measure required by African governments
Each country has its own unique cargo tracking note, this is an example of an ECTN Certificate for Republic of Congo.
An ECTN is required by the following countries:
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Yemen.
Gather all required shipping documents, email or upload them to AfricaCTN
Recieve your draft BSC and invoice
Check and confirm all details noted on the draft BSC
Pay the invoice so validation can begin
Once all steps are complete, we will submit the BSC to the authorities to release the final validation.
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A Cargo Tracking Note is a mandatory document for ocean freight shipments going to 25+ African countries. It helps prevent delays in port, facilitates smooth customs clearance and without it your shipment could face heavy penalties.
It is also known as ECTN, BESC, BSC, BIETC, CNCA, ARCCLA, ENS or ACD depending on the destination country.
CTNs are used by more than 25 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.
