If you need to ship goods to African countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and many others, it is essential to obtain the ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) or BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) certificate. SHIPPERSDOC guides you step by step for a simple, fast, and compliant application process according to the regulations of the final destination country.
The ECTN/BESC is a mandatory document for all maritime shipments to numerous African countries. It is used to track goods, facilitate customs procedures, and ensure the regularity of imports. Without this certificate, your shipment risks being blocked at customs or incurring penalties.
Each destination country requires specific documentation. The most common documents include:
Tip: Always check with our SHIPPERSDOC team or visit our website to know exactly which documents are required for your destination country.
You can submit your ECTN/BESC request quickly and easily:
Our team will respond promptly to guide you through the process and provide any clarifications.
You will receive a draft of the ECTN/BESC certificate to review. If everything is correct, confirm the draft. In case of errors or changes, promptly inform us of the necessary corrections: we will update the documentation according to your instructions.
Proceed with the payment for the BESC/ECTN via:
You will receive a detailed invoice and all instructions to complete the payment securely.
After validation, you will receive your electronic ECTN/BESC, ready to be forwarded to your client or importer. The certificate will be valid for customs clearance and must be presented to the customs authorities of the destination country.
The ECTN (or equivalents such as BESC, FERI, CNCA-ARCCLA, BIETC) is mandatory for importing goods into numerous African countries. Here is the updated list of countries that require the ECTN certificate for maritime shipments:
| Country | Certificate Name/Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Angola | CNCA – ARCCLA |
| Benin | ECTN/BESC |
| Burkina Faso | ECTN/BESC |
| Burundi | ECTN |
| Cameroon | BESC |
| Chad | ECTN |
| Ivory Coast | BSC |
| Central African Republic | ECTN |
| Republic of the Congo | ECTN/BIETC |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | FERI |
| Djibouti | ECTN |
| Gabon | BIETC |
| Gambia | ECTN |
| Guinea Bissau | ECTN |
| Guinea Conakry | ECTN/BESC |
| Equatorial Guinea | ECTN |
| Liberia | ECTN/BESC |
| Madagascar | BSC |
| Mali | ECTN/BESC |
| Niger | ECTN/BESC |
| Senegal | BSC |
| Sierra Leone | ECTN/BESC |
| Somalia | ECTN/BESC |
| South Sudan | ECTN |
| Togo | ECTN/BESC |
Note: The requirement and name of the certificate may vary depending on the port of destination and local regulations. Always check with your freight forwarder or the SHIPPERSDOC team for updates or special cases.
When should I request the ECTN/BESC?
Before the vessel’s departure: without the certificate, the goods may not be loaded.
Can I modify the certificate after validation?
Yes, for many countries it is possible to make corrections after validation for a fee. Contact us for more information.
What happens if I do not present the ECTN/BESC?
The goods risk being blocked at customs and incurring penalties at the destination.
Rely on SHIPPERSDOC for professional and worry-free management of your international shipments. Contact us for a free consultation or to start your ECTN/BESC application right away!
