How to Get an ECTN

Getting an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) for your shipment with AfricaCTN is easy, submit your documents, receive your draft ECTN and invoice, approve the draft, pay the invoice and receive the final validated ECTN certificate ready for customs clearance.

This article will walk you through the application process of getting an ECTN and how long each step normally takes.

If you have questions about your shipment, or if your shipment is on the water please contact AfricaCTN so we can ensure you do not face any fines or delays from the customs authorities at the discharge port.

Equivalent Names for ECTN

The following list contains all other names for the ECTN depending on what African countries you may be shipping to, they can each refer to them as something else.

• CTN – Cargo Tracking Note
• ECTN – Electronic Cargo Tracking Note
• BSC – Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison
• BESC – Bordereau électronique de Suivi de Cargaison
• BIETC – Bordereau d’Identification Électronique de Traçabilité des Cargaisons
• ACD – Advance Cargo Declaration
• CNCA – Conselho Nacional de Carregadores de Angola
• ARCCLA – Agência Reguladora de Certificação de Cargas e Logística de Angola
• FERI – Fiche Électronique de Renseignements à l’Importation

Step 1: Submit Your Documents

Firstly, submit your shipping documents like the bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and any other required documents such as the packing list, certificate of origin or customs declaration as needed for your destination country. You can email them directly to AfricaCTN, an authorized agent at info@africactn.com or upload them on our secure CTN Dashboard.

Step 2: Receive Your Draft ECTN and Invoice

Once you submit your shipping documents, you will receive the draft ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) and invoice on the same day. Typically AfricaCTN will provide your draft within two hours of receipt.

We will send these documents via email, you can always check the progress of your request on our CTN dashboard.

Step 3: Approve the Draft ECTN

Please check and confirm all details of the draft CTN certificate and let AfricaCTN know if it is approved or needing corrections. Details such as the:

• Shipper and Consignee Name
• Weight and Volume
• Loading and Discharge Port
• BL Number
• Value of the Goods

And more should all match between the shipping documents and the draft ECTN. This is important to prevent any issues in port.

Step 4: Pay the Invoice

Once the draft is approved and all details are correct you can proceed with payment of the invoice. As soon as payment is received, validation of the ECTN Certificate will begin.

Step 5: Receive the Final Validated ECTN

Once all steps are complete, the draft ECTN will be sent to the respective port authorities for final validation. This process typically takes 24-48 hours but in some circumstances can take up to one week for the final issuance of the waiver certificate to be released. It is important to apply for the ECTN / BESC Certificate at least one week before the deadline to ensure there are no delays in port for the importer.

NOTE: Some countries do not release the ECTN number until the certificate is validated. Please ensure there is enough time to add it to the bill of lading if this is something your shipper, freight forwarder or shipping line has requested.

Summary

Applying for the ECTN Certificate with AfricaCTN is simple, just submit your documents, get the draft ECTN, approve it, pay the invoice and then your final validation will be available in 24-48 hours.

To learn more about the ECTN process and submit your ECTN application, check out our full guide here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)