An Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is a mandatory document required when importing goods into more than 24 African countries. It is also known as BESC, BSC, CTN, BIETC or ACD depending on the destination.
The ECTN is a security and customs control measure required by African governments
Helps customs authorities track and verify cargo before it arrives in port. Ensuring security and compliance with trade regulations.
Required for customs clearance at 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.
Our streamlined process makes obtaining your ECTN certificate fast and hassle-free
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 CTN and invoice in just 2 hours.
Once the draft CTN is approved, we will submit it to the authorities for final validation. Your official CTN will be delivered via email immediately once it is released.
ECTN certificates must be obtained from an authorized agent like AfricaCTN
Work with the #1 global provider of Cargo Tracking Notes who can issue validated CTNs quickly and reliably.
Apply through intermediary CTN providers.
Here is everything you need to submit your CTN fully online right now
Have these shipping documents ready before you start your application:
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.
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.
ECTN = Electronic cargo tracking note
CTN = Cargo tracking note
BESC = Bordereau electronique de suivi des cargaisons
BSC = Bordereau de suivi des cargaisons
FERI = Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l’Importation
CNCA or ARCCLA
The ECTN is validated by the port authorities of the respective country. Except in the case where the government as set Authorized Agents such as AfricaCTN, in those cases, AfricaCTN is the validating authority of 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, commercial invoice and freight invoice. Some countries have additional document requirements. 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.
There are very few exemptions for shipment types, it is important to check with AfricaCTN to ensure your shipment is fully ECTN compliant.
Submit your documents and we'll start your CTN right now
Required Documents: Bill of Lading (BL), Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice
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A quick, easy-to-read guide explaining what a CTN is, how it works and why it’s essential for exports to Africa.
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