An ECTN Certificate is an abbreviation in shipping for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. It is a required document for customs clearance and a critical part of the supply chain in 25+ African countries.
The ECTN can also be called BESC, CTN, BIETC, BSC, ENS, FERI, CNCA or waiver certificate depending on the destination country.
It summarizes information found on the bill of lading like shipper, consignee or importer and freight forwarder information. As well as information noted on the commercial invoice and freight invoice such as the goods value.
Why ECTN is Mandatory
- Port Security: the CTN allows customs authorities to track and verify cargo to facilitate a smooth clearance process
- Trade Compliance: ensures goods are accurately declared during the ECTN application process
- Customs Clearance: without a CTN Certificate the port authorities will issue penalties and delays in the destination port
Countries That Require ECTN Certificate
The African countries that require the electronic cargo tracking note are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Yemen.
Required Documents for ECTN Certificate
- Bill of Lading: shows the goods details, loading port, vessel and exporter + consignee
- Commercial Invoice: shows the value of the goods
- Freight Invoice: contains the cost of the ocean freight
- Packing List: shows the HS codes and exact quantities of the goods being shipped
- Customs Declaration: issued by the country of origin showing the goods declared for export
Additional documents may be required depending on the destination country such as certificate of origin or an application form. Please confirm the documentation requirements with AfricaCTN for your shipment.
ECTN Application Process
To obtain a valid ECTN, you will need to gather the required shipping documents, and submit your application to AfricaCTN. Below is an outline of how AfricaCTN streamlines the ECTN requirements and process:
- Submit the necessary documents to AfricaCTN
- Receive the draft ECTN and invoice
- Approve the draft electronic cargo tracking note
- Pay the invoice
- Receive the final validation and ECTN number
FAQs
ECTN Meaning in Shipping?
An ECTN Certificate is an abbreviation in shipping for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. It is a required document for customs clearance and a critical part of the supply chain in 25+ African countries.
