Cameroon BESC Comprehensive Guide

The Cameroon BESC Certificate also known as Cameroon ECTN Certificate is required for all ocean shipments destined for Cameroon. It is obtained through AfricaCTN, a Global ECTN Provider.

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 BESC and provide it to the importer.

Validation Deadline

The BESC Certificate must be validated at least 5 days prior to vessel arrival in the discharge port.

Key Information

• Roro shipments require a FIMEX document or a valid special import authorization
• The BESC number is only confirmed after certificate validation; the Demand Number, issued with the draft, can be used as the BL reference in the meantime

In Transit Shipments

In transit refers to a shipment that discharges in one country and its final destination is in another country.

• Cameroon requires an ECTN for shipments in transit to Chad, these must be filed locally in Douala

Common discharge ports for these shipments include:

• Douala
• Kribi
• Limbe

---

Required Documents

• Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Freight Invoice
• Consignee’s Tax ID and PR Number

---

Application Process

First, you must gather digital copies of the required documents as mentioned above. Then you can proceed with the application process:

1. Submit: Send all the necessary documents to AfricaCTN via email or online
2. Draft & Invoice: You will receive a draft copy of your ECTN and invoice
3. Approve: Check and confirm all details on the draft ECTN
4. Pay: Make payment of the invoice so validation can begin
5. Final Validation: Receive your final validated ECTN ready for customs clearance

Validation & Approval Process

Validation of a BESC 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 BESC 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	24-48 business hours

---

Special Cases & Regulations

• When shipping Roros the importer must provide a FIMEX or proof of a valid Special Import Authorization
  • This will not prevent the draft from being issued but is required to obtain the valid ECTN

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

---