An ECTN number is a unique tracking number assigned to your shipment once you obtain the validated ECTN certificate. Depending on your destination country, the ‘ECTN‘ or electronic cargo tracking note may be called BSC, BESC (bordereau électronique de suivi de cargaison), ARCCLA, CNCA, FERI, BIETC, Waiver Certificate, ENS or CTN Certificate.
How to Get an ECTN Number
Getting an ECTN number is simple, you must gather the required documents and send them via email or online to AfricaCTN, the authorized agent.
Required Documents for ECTN
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Customs Declaration
Optional: Packing List, Certificate of Origin
ECTN Application Process
- Submit: Send all the necessary documents to AfricaCTN via email or online
- Draft & Invoice: Receive the draft ECTN and invoice
- Approve: Check and confirm all details on the draft ECTN
- Pay: Make payment of the invoice so validation can begin
- Validation: Issuance of the validated ECTN and ECTN number ready for customs clearance
Key Information About the ECTN
- Responsibility: It is the shipper or freight forwarder’s responsibility to obtain the ECTN with all the ECTN requirements and provide it to the importer
- Required Countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Yemen
- Deadline: All African countries require the ECTN is validated prior to vessel arrival in the destination port, some countries require it even earlier. It is important to confirm with AfricaCTN the requirements for your shipment
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Without a valid ECTN your shipment will face penalties and delays with the customs authorities in port
- ECTN Number: Some shipping lines require the ECTN number be noted on the BL, check with AfricaCTN to see if this is a requirement for your shipment
Why Shippers Choose to Work With AfricaCTN
Shippers from the USA, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, UAE, South Africa, France, Asia and more global locations choose to work with AfricaCTN because we are the fastest and most accurate ECTN provider in the world.
AfricaCTN provides draft ECTNs within a few hours of receipt of the documents, has 99% accuracy across all ECTNs issued for all destination countries, and provides personal service through WhatsApp, email or phone call. We will help you eliminate delays in port for all your shipments.
