Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Your CTN Certificate

A straightforward walkthrough of the full CTN application process — from gathering your documents to receiving your validated certificate. Questions at any point? Reach us at info@africactn.com.

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Before You Begin Confirm which documents are required for your specific destination country. Requirements vary by country — visit the Country Requirements page to check deadlines and document lists before starting.
1
Submit Your Shipping Documents
Your action

Gather your shipping documents and send them to AfricaCTN. The standard required documents are:

  • Bill of Lading
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Freight Invoice

Submit through any of these channels:

1Online: Upload via our Fast Application page
2Email: Send to info@africactn.com
3WhatsApp: Send via WhatsApp to +1 (281) 477-3233
2
Receive Your Draft CTN & Invoice
Within a few hours

After we receive your documents, we'll review them against the destination country's requirements and send you two things:

  • Draft CTN — a preview copy for you to verify all details are correct
  • Invoice — the tariff fee for your shipment with payment instructions

Track your application progress anytime on the CTN Dashboard.

3
Review & Approve the Draft CTN
Your action

Check that all details on the draft CTN match your shipping documents exactly — shipper name, consignee, cargo description, destination port, and invoice values.

✓ All correct Notify AfricaCTN that the draft is approved and we'll move straight to validation.
✎ Found an error Let us know what needs fixing — we'll correct and resend an updated draft quickly.
4
Pay the Invoice
Your action

Once the draft is approved, pay the invoice using any of the accepted methods:

Wire Transfer / ACH Mailing a Check Zelle PayCargo Credit Card

If none of these work for you, contact us — we'll find a solution.

Once payment is confirmed, AfricaCTN submits your CTN to the destination country's authorities to begin official validation.
5
Receive Your Validated CTN Certificate
24–72 hours

Once the authorities release the validated certificate, you'll receive it instantly in your inbox as a digital PDF.

No hard copy is required — forward the PDF to your consignee for customs clearance. That's it, you're done.


Best Practices

Timing

Document Accuracy

  • Ensure all values are consistent across every document
  • Verify cargo descriptions and weights match
  • Submit final documents — not drafts

Common Issues

  • Mismatched values between invoice and bill of lading
  • Incomplete or missing required documents
  • Illegible or low-quality scans

After You Receive It

  • Save the digital PDF — no print needed
  • Forward to your consignee ahead of vessel arrival
  • Have it ready for customs clearance
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Phone Consultation

Speak with an expert before you apply — available 8am–5pm CST.

+1 (281) 477-3233 →
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Email Support

Questions about documents or requirements?

info@africactn.com →
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WhatsApp — 24/7

Urgent shipment? Message us any time.

Message on WhatsApp →
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Country Requirements

Country-specific documents, deadlines & guides.

View All Countries →