Frequently Asked Questions

CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) or ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a document required by customs authorities in import and export transactions to many African countries. This document is used to ensure the traceability and transparency of the cargo.

The acronym ECTN, which stands for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note and is also known as Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison (BSC) or Loading Certificate, is another type of waiver document.

These waiver certificates are official maritime documents that describe the goods and its port-to-port passage. Several African countries want this in order to properly monitor, manage, and regulate their import and export commerce. Each CTN is required for import customs clearance at the port of entry and must be filed and validated. Local Customs will forbid any shipments that are not covered by a valid CTN and charge the necessary cost prior to the presentation of the final CTN.

The waiver documents include every relevant detail on the exporter and importer, the shipping method (containerized, groupage, etc.), the kind and value of the goods being carried, the name of the vessel, and the freight bill for the cargo. These waivers must be handled by the importer or exporter and filed before the shipment arrives at the port of discharge. Your cargo will be penalized if the ECTN Certificate isn’t validated in time, and you will not be able to receive a certificate.

‘Bordereau électronique de Suivi de Cargaison’, or ‘Electronic Cargo Tracking Note’ (ECTN) in English, is abbreviated as ‘BESC’ in French.

Exemptions or exceptions to the ECTN Certificate requirement can vary by country and are often based on factors such as the nature of the cargo, the vessel, the trade agreements in place, or specific government regulations. It’s important to consult the destination country’s customs authorities or the authorized representative for clarification.

ECTN Certificates are issued for individual shipments and are not valid for multiple shipments. Each shipment requires its own unique ECTN Certificate.

The cost of an ECTN Certificate varies depending on the destination country, and the specifics of the shipment. The fees typically include application charges, service charges, and other associated costs.

Depending on the country, once an ECTN Certificate is issued, it is generally not possible to modify or update it. Though in certain cases it is possible to modify the validated certificate but it will result in a penalty cost. So essential to ensure the accuracy of the information provided during the application process to avoid any discrepancies or issues with customs clearance.

Common reasons for ECTN Certificate rejection can include incomplete or inaccurate information, missing supporting documentation, failure to meet specific requirements of the destination country, or non-compliance with applicable regulations. It is crucial to provide complete and accurate information to avoid rejection.

If all required papers are submitted and coherent, the draft copy of the certificate will be issued within a day to a few days depending on the country. Once we get your approval for the draft and the payment, the certificate will be sent in for validation. Usually, the verification clearance comes in a day. However, because some countries main office’s handle all permissions, the procedure might take a week.

A Bill of Lading is a document that a carrier issues to confirm receiving cargo for shipping. A Bill of Lading can now be used for any kind of transportation of products, despite the fact that the phrase was previously solely used for the purpose of shipping.

For the export and import clearance process, a Commercial Invoice is a necessary document. It is the record that customs officers in the buyer’s nation use to determine import duties and taxes. It serves as the exporter’s customs declaration when shipping anything across borders.

Providing incorrect or incomplete information on the ECTN Certificate can result in rejection of the certificate, delays in customs clearance, penalties, fines, or even seizure of the cargo. It is crucial to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided to avoid such consequences.

ECTN Certificates are required to ensure proper control, monitoring, and statistics of maritime trade. They help prevent smuggling, ensure compliance with customs regulations, and facilitate efficient customs clearance processes.

In order to obtain a CTN certificate, you need to prepare the necessary documents and apply to the competent authority of the relevant country. As Global CTN, we can assist you in this process and fulfil your application on your behalf.

Many African countries require a CTN certificate. These include Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DR. of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Togo. You can contact us to find out the requirements for a specific country.

Generally, commercial invoice, loading instructions, sea bill of lading and other transport documents are required for CTN application. The specific documents required by each country may vary.

It is possible to send your cargo without a CTN document, but you may face serious delays and penalties during customs clearance in the destination country. Therefore, it is important that you obtain the CTN document in advance.

The CTN application time may vary depending on the processing speed of the country you are applying for. Usually, it is finalised within a few working days when all documents are submitted in full.

The fees to be paid for the CTN document vary depending on the country of application and the nature of the cargo. You can contact us for detailed information about the fees.

The CTN certificate is used to ensure transparency in import and export transactions, prevent illegal trade and secure tax revenues. It also facilitates commercial processes by ensuring the traceability of the cargo.

Generally, the CTN certificate is mandatory for maritime transport. However, some countries may also require this document for air or land transport. It is important to check the requirements for specific modes of transport.

As Global CTN, we offer comprehensive services in the CTN application process, such as consultancy services, document supply, follow-up of application procedures and organisation of all necessary documents. Our goal is to help our customers complete their customs processes smoothly and quickly.