AfricaCTN streamlines the process so your receive your ECTN draft within just two hours of document submission. Our streamlined process ensures you get verification fast, so your cargo can move without delay.
Our team responds to emails within two hours, keeping your ECTN application process moving quickly and without delays.
We track your shipment daily to make sure every ECTN is validated on time, helping you avoid costly port penalties or delays.
From global freight forwarders to individual exporters, clients rely on AfricaCTN for fast, accurate, and compliant cargo tracking notes.
Submit your bill of lading, commercial invoice and freight invoice via email or our secure CTN Dashboard.
Our certified team verifies your documents for compliance, and provides you with a draft ECTN and invoice in just 2 hours.
Review your draft ECTN to ensure all data is accurate.
Once the draft ECTN is approved, we will submit it to the authorities for final validation. Your official ECTN will be delivered via email immediately once it is released.
ECTN certificates must be obtained from an authorized agent like AfricaCTN
Have these necessary documents ready before you start your application: Bill of Lading (BL), Commercial Invoice and Freight Invoice, some countries additionally require the customs declaration or certificate of origin. We can use a draft BL.
You can submit your documents via email or our secure portal
Once you submit your documents to AfricaCTN your draft ECTN and invoice will be available in 2-4 hours.
Helps customs authorities track and verify cargo before it arrives in port. Ensuring security and compliance with trade regulations.
Required for customs clearance at the destination port. Without the ECTN, your cargo will be delayed and face heavy fines and penalties
The ECTN verifies cargo details before arrival, ensuring goods are accurately declared, correctly valued, and compliant with import regulations.
Without a valid ECTN, your cargo will be delayed at the destination port. Your shipment will face heavy fines and penalties.
We recommend applying for the CTN at least 5 business days prior to the validation deadline. Find out when your validation deadline is here.
Costs vary by destination country. Contact us for an instant quote based on your shipment details.
Yes, these are different names for the same document. Some countries use different terminology based on region, while others simpy call it a waiver certificate. Learn more about what an ECTN is with our ECTN Guide.
ECTN = Electronic cargo tracking note
CTN = Cargo tracking note
BESC = bordereau électronique de suivi de cargaison
BSC = Bordereau de suivi des cargaisons
FERI = Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l’Importation
CNCA or ARCCLA
In most countries, ECTNs are validated by local port authorities. However, in countries that have appointed authorized agents, like AfricaCTN, we serve as the official validating authority for the CTN.
Once the draft CTN is approved and the invoice is paid, we will submit it to the respective port authorities. This process typically takes between 24-48 hours, but it can take longer in certain situations so it is important to submit your documents well in advance of the deadline.
Yes, each bill of lading requires its own unique ECTN. We cannot file one CTN for multiple BLs.
All countries require the bill of lading (BL), commercial invoice and freight invoice. Some countries have additional document requirements such as an export declaration or packing list. You can find out what your destination country requires here.
Yes, we can issue the draft CTN with a draft BL or a house BL, some countries require the master bill of lading to validate the ECTN so it is important to check with AfricaCTN on the requirements for your destination country.
Some countries allow you to make corrections to a validated ECTN and others do not. It is important to check with AfricaCTN to see if your destination country allows corrections to a validated certificate.
Typically, it is the shipper or freight forwarders responsibility to obtain the ECTN. This should be handled prior to the validation deadline to prevent any issues for the importer.
There are very few exemptions for shipment types, it is important to check with AfricaCTN to ensure your shipment is fully ECTN compliant.
You only pay if you continue to final validation.
We respect your inbox. Privacy Policy
