A BESC is a mandatory shipping document required for all cargo shipments going to more than 24 African countries. It contains detailed information about the shipment and provides a unique tracking number for customs and port authorities.
BESC stands for bordereau électronique de suivi des cargaisons, which translates to Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. BSC (bordereau de suivi de cargaison) is simply another name for a CTN, with or without the word “Electronic” depending on the country.
All these terms BESC, BSC, CTN, ECTN are fully interchangeable and used by different African countries to describe the same mandatory cargo tracking note.
Whether you’re an experienced exporter or new to international shipping, understanding the BESC/ECTN certificate requirement is essential for smooth and compliant trade with countries that mandate it. In this article, we cover all the important information and regulatory requirements for your ECTN certificates.
How to Get a BESC Certificate?
At AfricaCTN, we manage the BESC filing process from start to finish. AfricaCTN is an authorized agent for many countries requiring the BESC. Our team ensures your shipment meets every destination requirement before the deadline. Below is the breakdown of the application process and BESC requirements:
- Collect Required Documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice – Must include the value of the goods
- Freight Invoice – Must include the freight value of the goods
- Additional Documents
- Submit to AfricaCTN
- Send your shipment 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 BESC and an invoice
- Payment
- Pay the applicable fees as shown on your invoice
- Draft Review
- Verify and confirm the details on the draft BESC. If you see any discrepancies between your shipment documents and the draft BESC then request the changes via email
- Final Validation
- Once approved, we will submit the BESC to the authorities. Usually within 24-48 hours the final validated certificate will be released. We then send your valid BESC Certificate straight to your inbox.
Other Names for BESC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons Electronique) Certificate
- ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note)
- BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons)
- CTN (Cargo Tracking Note)
- BIETC (Bordereau d’Identification Électronique de Traçabilité des Cargaisons)
- ACD (Advance Cargo Declaration)
- FERI (Fiche Électronique des Renseignements a l’Importation)
What African Countries Requires the BESC?
- Angola CNCA
- Benin BESC
- Burkina Faso CTN
- Burundi CTN
- Cameroon BESC
- Central African Republic CTN
- Chad CTN
- Equatorial Guinea CTN
- Gabon BIETC
- Democratic Republic of the Congo FERI
- Djibouti CTN
- Guinea Bissau CTN
- Ivory Coast BSC
- Liberia CTN
- Madagascar BSC
- Mali BESC
- Niger CTN
- Republic of Congo CTN
Why is the BESC Mandatory?
The BESC is an essential document for customs clearance and port security in the destination country. It includes details about the cargo, the sender, receiver, container number, seal numbers and more. This information helps port authorities prepare for incoming shipments. It also streamlines customs processing and enhancing security at the port.
What Does the BESC Look Like?
The BESC or ECTN will have a different look for each country that requires it. They will all contain information about the shipper, freight forwarders, consignee, goods, vessel, voyage number etc. But the validated certificate will have a different layout, different port authorities, different stamps and obviously a different country flag (if it is noted on the certificate). The below examples are a Senegal BSC Certificate (first) and Benin BESC Certificate (second).
What Happens if You Don’t Get a BESC Certificate?
Your shipment must have all the necessary documents along with the validated BESC waiver before the validation deadline (see your destination countries validation deadline here). If not, this can cause delays in logistics operations the destination port. Not having a BESC can result in heavy fines and penalties, sometimes more than 200% the cost of the waiver.
Why Choose AfricaCTN?
As an officially authorized government agent for the countries that require CTN representation, AfricaCTN streamlines the entire filing process from start to finish. Shippers can expect fast turnaround, with draft CTNs and invoices usually delivered the same day, often within just two hours of submitting their documents. Every customer also receives access to the AfricaCTN Dashboard, a secure platform where you can upload documents, track progress, and manage all your ECTNs in one organized place. Serving freight forwarders, logistics companies, and individual shippers worldwide, AfricaCTN ensures your certificate is filed quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with each country’s requirements.
