What is an ECTN? (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note)
An ECTN is a mandatory certificate required when shipping goods to over 24 African countries. It contains details about the shipment, helping to ensure compliance with local regulations and facilitating smooth customs clearance in the destination country. It also provides a unique ECTN number for customs and port authorities.
The ECTN helps port authorities verify the cargo information before your shipment arrives. In short, it is a vital part of transparent and lawful trade with many African Countries
Other Names for ECTN Certificate
Some countries use their own acronyms for the ECTN, but each serves the same purpose and remains a mandatory document for shipping to that country.
For example:
- BESC (bordereau électronique de suivi de cargaison) – ECTN name used in Benin, Cameroon, Mali and Republic of Guinea
- BIETC – ECTN name used in Gabon
- FERI – ECTN name used in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- BSC – ECTN name used in Ivory Coast, Madagascar and Senegal
- CNCA or ARCCLA – ECTN name used in Angola
- ENS – ECTN name used in Liberia
Who Issues and Validates an ECTN?
In most countries, customs authorities validate the ECTN. You will apply for an ECTN with an authorized CTN agent, who will draft the ECTN for you and send it to port authorities for validation. Once it is validated, you will be able to continue with the shipping process. In some countries, authorized agents such as AfricaCTN are permitted to validate the ECTN directly.
Why is the ECTN Mandatory
African governments use the CTN system to:
- Track and monitor cargo movement
- ECTNs give customs early visibility into what is being shipped and when it will arrive, helping them track shipments from origin to the destination port
- Ensure accurate customs declaration and tax collection
- The ECTN provides details cargo, shippers and importer information, reducing errors and false declarations.
- Improve port efficiency and cargo clearance
- Having shipping documents including the bill of lading, commercial invoice and freight invoice (some countries require the packing list, certificate of origin and others) submitted early helps ports process containers faster on arrival.
- Strengthen trade security and reduce smuggling or false invoicing
- Pre-shipment verification helps identify high-risk cargo and minimizes fraudulent or incomplete documentation.
What Do I need to Obtain my ECTN?
Every destination country has its own rules, but most ECTN applications require the following shipping documents:
Having the necessary documents ready helps streamline the application process and reduces delays in international shipping. If you are shipping a car, you may also need vehicle specific documentation such as the vehicle title, depending on the destination country. Your AfricaCTN agent will confirm any additional documents.
How to Obtain an ECTN
At AfricaCTN, we manage the ECTN filing process from start to finish. AfricaCTN is an authorized agent for many African countries requiring a CTN. Our team ensures your shipment meets every destination requirement before departure. Below is the process and ECTN requirements for obtaining your validated waiver certificate.
Here is the process:
- Collect Required Documents
- Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice and Others
- Submit to AfricaCTN
- Send your documents via through our secure CTN Dashboard or directly via email
- Draft & Invoice
- Our team will check your documents and provide a draft copy of the ECTN and an invoice
- Payment
- Pay the applicable fees as shown on your invoice
- Draft Review
- Verify and confirm the details on the draft CTN. If there are any discrepancies request the changes via email
- Final Validation
- Once approved, we will submit the CTN to the authorities. Typically in 24-48 hours the final validated certificate will be released. We will instantly send your CTN Certificate straight to your inbox.
African Countries that Require an ECTN
AfricaCTN provides official CTNs for 24+ countries including:
Each country has its own document requirements and procedures. Our CTN Dashboard automatically ensures your shipment has full CTN compliance.
What Happens Without a ECTN
If your shipment passes the validation deadline without a validated ECTN, it can result in:
- Delays at the destination port
- Heavy penalties and fines for non-compliance
- Customs holds the shipment while the CTN is being processed
These penalties can cause significant delays. Submitting your CTN early through AfricaCTN helps you avoid these risks and keeps your cargo moving on schedule.
Why Choose AfricaCTN
- Authorized Government Agent for the countries that require agents
- Fast Turnaround – You will receive your draft CTN and invoice the same day you request it in as little as 2 hours
- CTN Dashboard Access – Manage and track all your ECTNs in one place
- Global Coverage – AfricaCTN serves freight forwarders, logistics firms and individual shippers worldwide
AfricaCTN makes filing your ECTN simple, reliable and fully compliant every time.
