CTN & ECTN Certificate FAQ

The ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a paperless document that tracks cargo through the supply chain and helps combat document fraud in African shipping. It is unique, serialized, linked to the Bill of Lading, and digitally signed. CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) is the English term, BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is French, and ECTN is the electronic version. Other names include BESC, FERI, BIETC, CNCA, ACID, and ACD depending on the country. Benefits include increased transparency, improved cargo security, port efficiency, and accurate trade statistics.

The shipper or freight forwarder is typically responsible. While this can be transferred to the importer through agreement, the shipper may still face penalties if the certificate is missing at the destination port.

Most certificates are validated within 1-3 working days. Some countries may take up to 5 working days. With GetCTN, many certificates are processed within 24-48 hours thanks to our experienced team and established relationships.

Generally you need: Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading (draft copy is acceptable), Freight Invoice (if freight cost isn't on the commercial invoice), and Packing List. Some countries like Angola require additional documents such as a DU (Documento Unico).

Consequences are severe: heavy fines (often double the certificate cost), cargo detention at the port, customs clearance delays, and in some cases outright rejection of the shipment. Storage fees accumulate daily while your cargo is held.

Currently 31 countries require some form of cargo tracking certificate, primarily in West, Central, and East Africa, plus Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen. Each country has its own specific name and requirements for the certificate.

Yes. GetCTN accepts payments in most currencies via bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and other convenient methods. Just let us know your preferred currency.

It depends on the country. While most CTN requirements apply to sea freight, some countries like Egypt (ACID) require it for all cargo types including air and land. Contact us to verify requirements for your specific destination.

Apply before vessel departure. Many countries require validation at least 72 hours before loading. The certificate must be obtained before the vessel's arrival at the destination port. Late applications can result in delays or rejection.

Some cargo types may be exempt, such as humanitarian aid, diplomatic shipments, or personal effects. Requirements vary by country. Contact us to verify if your shipment qualifies for an exemption.

BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) is the French term used in Cameroon and Benin. BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is used in Ivory Coast, Senegal, and other Francophone countries. ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is the English equivalent. All refer to the same type of mandatory cargo tracking certificate.

Most countries accept electronic (PDF) certificates. Angola is the only country that requires the original hard copy – we ship it via courier (DHL/FedEx) to your consignee or agent at the destination port.

No. CTN applications are completed entirely online. No matter where you are, we assist you via email, WhatsApp, or our contact form. We have offices in USA, UK, Netherlands, UAE, India, and Hong Kong – but you never need to visit them.

We have offices in New York (USA), London (UK), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Dubai (UAE), Mumbai (India), and Hong Kong. These locations are hand-picked to serve you 24/7 across all time zones.

If you are shipping to any of the 31 African or Middle Eastern countries we serve, you likely need a CTN/ECTN/BESC. Contact us with your destination country and we will confirm the exact certificate type and requirements.

Send us your Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading (draft acceptable), Freight Invoice, and Packing List via our contact form, email, or WhatsApp. We will respond with a quote within 1 hour and process your application within 24-48 hours.

We provide CTN, ECTN, BSC, BESC certificates for 31 countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, D.R. Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, and Yemen.

CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) and BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) refer to the same mandatory cargo tracking document. CTN is the English term; BSC is the French term used in Francophone African countries. Both are required for shipments entering or transiting those regions.

The ECTN combats document fraud in African shipping, increases supply chain transparency, improves cargo security, and supports port efficiency. It also helps governments collect import taxes and maintain accurate trade statistics. The World Bank estimated document fraud in West Africa fell from $1 billion (2010) to $210 million (2015) after ECTN adoption.

Costs vary by country, container size, and shipment type. Sample starting prices for a 1×20' container range from about $200–360 USD depending on the destination. Contact us with your shipment details for an exact quote. We accept most currencies.

Yes, in most cases. If shipment details change (e.g., Bill of Lading amendments), contact us as soon as possible. We can often update the certificate before validation. Modifications may incur a fee and are subject to the destination country's rules.

An ECTN is valid for a single shipment and is linked to the specific Bill of Lading. It cannot be reused or transferred to another shipment. Validity is tied to the vessel's arrival at the destination port.

The ECTN is mandatory for customs clearance in most African countries that require it. Without a valid certificate, customs will not release the cargo. Delays, fines, and storage charges apply until the certificate is presented.

Each ECTN is uniquely serialized and tied to the shipment's Bill of Lading number. Authorities verify the certificate against the B/L at the destination port. The B/L number, vessel details, and cargo information must match exactly.

Refund policies depend on processing stage and country. If the certificate has not yet been validated, a partial refund may be possible. Once validated, refunds are generally not available. Contact us immediately if you need to cancel.

No. Each ECTN is issued for one specific shipment and one Bill of Lading. You must obtain a separate certificate for each shipment, even if the cargo and route are similar.

Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to certificate rejection, customs delays, fines, or cargo detention at the destination port. Always double-check B/L numbers, weights, values, and consignee details before submission.