Upload your Shipping Documents
Upload your bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and supporting documents online or email them to info@africactn.com
Get Your ECTN for Shipments Loading in India
Apply online and receive your validated ECTN certificate for exports to Africa. Fast processing for all countries requiring ECTN, BESC, FERI, BIETC, CNCA and CTN certificates.
Trusted by 3,200+ shippers ECTN coverage for all required countries
Avoid Delays, Penalties & Customs Issues
Many African countries require an ECTN before cargo arrival. Missing or incorrect certificates can result in penalties, cargo holds, or expensive regularization procedures. Our team reviews your documents and submits your ECTN for validation before arrival.
A Clear ECTN Process From Start to Finish
Receive Draft ECTN and Invoice
Our certified team will issue your draft ECTN so you can check and confirm all details are correct; and your invoice in just a few hours.
Check and Approve all Details
Check that all details on the draft ECTN match your shipping documents exactly - shipper name, consignee, cargo description, destination port and invoice values.
Pay the Invoice
Once the draft is approved, you will now pay the invoice using one of the accepted methods: wire transfer, credit card, Zelle, PayCargo, mailing a check or MoneyGram.
Receive Your Validated Certificate
Once the authorities release the validated certificate, you'll receive it instantly in your inbox as a PDF. No hard copy is required.
Simplify Your Africa Export Compliance
Why shippers choose AfricaCTN - faster ECTN processing, country-specific document review, and online tracking from submission through validation.
AfricaCTN Other CTN Providers
Fast Processing
✓ Drafts are typically prepared within hours after document submission.
× Unclear timing can create pressure near destination deadlines.
Country-Specific Expertise
✓ Requirements vary by country. We review documentation before submission.
× Country-specific document gaps can lead to corrections or rejection.
Online Tracking
✓ Monitor your ECTN application from submission through validation.
× Status updates can be harder to follow without one place to track progress.
"Chris and team at Africa CTN deserve 10 Stars. They are knowledgeable, professional and always courteous. Questions are answered in a timely manner as well as certificate processing. Thanks for years of great service!"More customer stories
What you'll need
Start With the Documents You Already Have
Most ECTN applications begin with a small set of shipping documents. If a destination country requires anything extra, our team will flag it before submission.
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Bill of Lading
Your core shipment record for the ECTN application.
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Commercial Invoice
The invoice details authorities use to review cargo value.
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Freight Invoice
The freight cost document needed for most CTN reviews.
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Country Extras
Additional country-specific documents if required.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't have an ECTN?
Without a valid ECTN, your cargo can be delayed at the destination port and may be subject to fines or penalties.
When should I apply for an ECTN?
Apply at least 5 business days before the validation deadline so there is enough time to review, approve, and validate the certificate.
How much does an ECTN cost?
The cost depends on the destination country and shipment details. AfricaCTN can provide a quote once the shipment information is available.
Is ECTN the same as CTN or BESC?
Yes. ECTN, CTN, BESC, BSC, FERI, and similar names refer to cargo tracking documents used by different countries and authorities.
Which countries require an ECTN?
ECTN or related CTN documents are required by many African destinations, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Togo, and others.
Who issues or validates the ECTN?
In most countries, local port authorities validate the ECTN. Where authorized agents are appointed, AfricaCTN can serve as the official validating authority for the CTN.
How long does validation of an ECTN take?
After the draft is approved and the invoice is paid, validation is typically submitted to the relevant authority and often takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the country and situation.
How to get your ECTN?
Send your documents by email or through the CTN Dashboard, receive a draft CTN and invoice after review, then receive the validated certificate once the draft is submitted and released.
Does each Bill of Lading need its own ECTN number?
Yes. Each bill of lading needs its own unique ECTN number; one CTN cannot be filed for multiple bills of lading.
What documents are required to get an ECTN?
Most applications require the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and freight invoice. Some countries also require documents such as an export declaration or packing list.
Can I apply for the ECTN with a draft Bill of Lading (BL) or a house BL and update it later?
Yes, AfricaCTN can often issue a draft CTN using a draft BL or house BL, though some countries require the master bill of lading before final validation.
Can you make changes to a validated ECTN Document?
Correction rules vary by country. Some authorities allow updates to a validated ECTN, while others do not.
Who is responsible for paying for the ECTN?
The shipper or freight forwarder typically handles the ECTN and should complete it before the validation deadline to avoid issues for the importer.
Are there exemptions for certain cargo types?
Exemptions are rare, so AfricaCTN recommends checking the destination-country requirements before assuming a shipment does not need an ECTN.