This article will break down terms and definitions commonly used when discussing ECTN or Electronic Cargo Tracking Notes for shipments to Africa.
If you have any additional questions please contact us at info@africactn.com
ECTN
ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory certificate required for shipments to 25+ African countries.
It summarizes key details from the bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice, and other shipping documents to help port authorities monitor imports, enforce regulations, and improve security.
Depending on the destination country, it can be called a few different names such as:
- BESC
- BSC
- CTN
- FERI
- ARCCLA / CNCA
- ENS
- BIETC
- Waiver Certificate
All of these terms are referring to the same cargo tracking note document.
Draft
The draft ECTN is a preview version of your ECTN. It is not final and cannot be used for customs clearance. You must approve the details on the draft ECTN and make payment of the invoice to receive the final validation.
Validation
The final approved ECTN used for customs clearance. You cannot modify a validated ECTN without additional penalties.
Validation Deadline
The last day to validate your ECTN before delays or penalties apply.
In Transit
If a shipment discharges in one port, and then moves to another final destination country, we call this in transit. Some discharge ports will require the ECTN regardless of final destination.