The Angola ARCCLA Certificate formerly known as Angola CNCA (Conselho Nacional de Carregadores de Angola) is required for all ocean shipments destined for Angola. It is obtained through an Authorized Agent such as AfricaCTN.
For additional inquiries please contact us at info@africactn.com.
Getting Started
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the shipper or freight forwarder to obtain the validated CNCA and provide it to the importer.
Validation Deadline
The CNCA / ARCCLA Certificate must be validated prior to vessel arrival in the discharge port.
Key Information
- Angola ARCCLA must be processed by an authorized agent. If you do not see your ECTN provider on the official ARCCLA website, they are not an authorized agent
- The goods values noted on the DU must be within 5% of what is noted on the commercial invoice
- When importing certain vehicle parts, importers are required to have the ANTT Document, see the list of restricted HS codes below
- If the consignee does not match between the BL and the DU, we will need the NIF document
In Transit Shipments
In transit refers to a shipment that discharges in one country and its final destination is in another country.
- Angola does not require an ARCCLA / CNCA for in transit shipments
Common discharge ports for these shipments include:
- Luanda
- Lobito
- Cabinda
- Soyo
- Pointe Noire
Required Documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Documento Unico
- ARCCLA Form (excel form)
Application Process
First, you must gather digital copies of the required documents as mentioned above. Then you can proceed with the application process:
- Submit: Send all the necessary documents to AfricaCTN via email or online
- Draft & Invoice: You will receive a draft copy of your ECTN and invoice
- Approve: Check and confirm all details on the draft ECTN
- Pay: Make payment of the invoice so validation can begin
- Final Validation: Receive your final validated ECTN ready for customs clearance
Validation & Approval Process
Validation of a CNCA certificate is the process in which the certificate moves from a draft copy to a final copy. In order to begin validation two things must happen:
- Approval: The customer must check and confirm all details on the draft copy, ensure they match the shipping documents provided and notify AfricaCTN that the draft has been approved.
- Payment: The invoice must be paid before validation can begin.
Once these two steps are complete, AfricaCTN will release the final validated CNCA certificate ready for customs clearance.
Timeline
| Step of the Process | How Long it Takes |
|---|---|
| 1. Submit | Customer Action |
| 2. Draft & Invoice | 2-4 business hours |
| 3. Approve | Customer Action |
| 4. Pay | Customer Action |
| 5. Final Validation | 2-4 business hours |
Special Cases & Regulations
Rules for Importing Road Components
As of June 1, 2025 when importing certain vehicle parts to Angola, importers must now get prior authorization from Angola’s National Land Transport Agency (ANTT).
The following HS codes now require the ANTT document:
| HS Code | Item |
|---|---|
| 8408.20 | Engines (used for vehicle propulsion) |
| 8708.40 | Gearboxes (including gears & parts) |
| 8706.00 | Chassis (with engines for motor vehicles) |
| 8707.00 | Bodies (including cabins) |
| 8708.94 | Steering systems (with columns, wheels, cables) |
| 8708.80 | Suspension systems (including shock absorbers) |
| 8708.50 | Transmission systems |
Suspended HS Codes for Import
The following HS codes are suspended for an indefinite duration:
| HS Code | Item |
|---|---|
| 1101.00 | Wheat Flour |
| 1102.00 | Maize Flour |
| 1511.10 / 1507.10 | Refined sunflower, palm, and soya oils |
| 3926.10 | School and professional gowns |
| 6103.49 | Uniforms, including military and police uniforms |
| 1704.90 | Confectionary Products |
| 6302.32 | Hospital Consumables |
| 2514.00 | Plasterboard |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the CNCA certificate impact shipping to Angola?
Without a valid CNCA certificate your shipment will face fines and delays at the discharge port until the issuance of a valid CNCA is complete.