ECTN Certificate stands for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, it is required when shipping to 25+ African countries. AfricaCTN streamlines the ECTN application process so first you will need to gather the bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and possibly the customs declaration or packing list.
Key Information About ECTN Form
- Required: ECTN is required for all shipments going to 25+ African countries
- Responsibility: The shipper or freight forwarder is required to obtain the ECTN and provide it to the importer
- Consequences: Without a valid ECTN your shipment will face fines and penalties from the customs authorities during customs clearance at the destination port
- Alternate Names: The ECTN Document can also be known as BESC (bordereau électronique de suivi des cargaisons), BIETC, BSC, CNCA, CTN Certificate, FERI, SPN, Waiver Certificate
- Authorized Agent: AfricaCTN is an authorized agent for the issuance of the ECTN
Required Documents
The ECTN requirements are:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Customs Declaration
Optional: Packing list, certificate of insurance
These necessary documents can change based on your destination country so it is important to confirm the requirements for your shipment with AfricaCTN.
ECTN Application Process
- Submit: Send all mandatory documents to AfricaCTN via email or online
- Draft & Invoice: Receive the draft ECTN and invoice
- Approve: Check and confirm all details on the draft ECTN
- Pay: Make payment of the invoice so validation can begin
- Validation: Receive the final validated ECTN certificate and ECTN number ready for customs clearance
ECTN Required Countries
The ECTN is required in:
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Yemen
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get an ECTN certificate?
Submit the necessary documents to AfricaCTN, we will issue the draft ECTN and invoice, you will check and confirm all details on the draft, make payment of the invoice and receive the final validated certificate.
What is the full form of ECTN in shipping and logistics?
ECTN stands for electronic cargo tracking note, it is a required document when shipping to 25+ African countries and AfricaCTN streamlines the application process.
Can I use the same ECTN number for various shipments?
No, each bill of lading requires its own unique ECTN and ECTN number
