Knowledge Base / Chad ECTN Comprehensive Guide

Chad ECTN Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated: March 23, 2026

The Chad ECTN Certificate also known as Chad BESC is required for all ocean shipments destined for Chad. 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 ECTN and provide it to the importer.

Validation Deadline

The ECTN / BESC Certificate must be validated prior to vessel arrival in the discharge port.

Key Information

  • Chad requires that the incoterm is noted on the commercial invoice
  • Commercial invoice must be signed & stamped
  • BL must have the shipped on board date

In Transit Shipments

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

  • Chad requires the ECTN even when shipments discharge in a neighboring country

Common discharge ports for these shipments include:

  • Douala
  • Port Sudan
  • Cotonou

Required Documents

  • Bill of Lading
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Freight Invoice

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. Pay: Make payment of the invoice so the draft will be released
  3. Draft: You will receive a draft copy of your ECTN
  4. Approve: Check and confirm all details on the draft ECTN
  5. Final Validation: Receive your final validated ECTN ready for customs clearance

Validation & Approval Process

Validation of a ECTN 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 ECTN certificate ready for customs clearance.

Timeline

Step of the ProcessHow Long it Takes
1. Submit Customer Action
2. PayCustomer Action
3. Draft24-48 business hours
4. ApproveCustomer Action
5. Final Validation 24-48 business hours

Special Cases & Regulations

There are no special cases or regulations for Chad ECTN.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to get BESC if my shipment is in transit through Cameroon to Chad?

Yes, shipments in transit from Cameroon to Chad will require both the Cameroon and Chad ECTN.

What is Chad ECTN Certificate?

The Chad ECTN is mandatory for shipments with a final destination in Chad, it is a document that summarizes information from the required documents such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice and freight invoice.