ECTN - Electronic Cargo Tracking Note
A comprehensive guide to understanding and obtaining ECTN certificates for shipping goods to African countries. Also known as BESC, BSC, or FERI in different regions.
What is ECTN?
The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), also known as BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) in French-speaking countries, is a mandatory document required by many African nations for all goods being shipped to their ports.
This electronic document serves multiple purposes: it tracks cargo movements, helps combat fraud and smuggling, ensures proper customs valuation, and generates revenue for destination countries. Without a valid ECTN, your cargo may face significant delays, additional fines, or even refusal of entry at the destination port.
Security & Tracking
Enables governments to monitor and track cargo entering their territory
Customs Valuation
Ensures accurate assessment of duties and taxes on imported goods
Trade Facilitation
Streamlines customs clearance when properly obtained in advance
Document Name Variations
Different African countries use different names for essentially the same document:
Electronic Cargo Tracking Note
Most English-speaking countries
Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons
French-speaking countries
Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison
Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar
Fiche Électronique des Renseignements à l'Importation
DR Congo
Countries Requiring ECTN/BESC
The following African countries require an ECTN or equivalent document for all cargo shipments:
Benin
ECTN
Burkina Faso
ECTN
Cameroon
BESC
Central African Republic
ECTN
Chad
ECTN
Congo (Brazzaville)
ECTN
DR Congo
FERI
Côte d'Ivoire
BSC
Equatorial Guinea
ECTN
Gabon
BIETC
Guinea
ECTN
Guinea-Bissau
ECTN
Liberia
ECTN
Libya
ECTN
Madagascar
BSC
Mali
ECTN
Mauritania
ECTN
Niger
ECTN
Senegal
ECTN
Sierra Leone
ECTN
Somalia
ECTN
South Sudan
ECTN
Togo
ECTNExample of ECTN Document
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) contains specific shipment information that must match your other shipping documents exactly. Below is an example of the key fields typically found on an ECTN certificate:
ELECTRONIC CARGO TRACKING NOTE
ECTN / BESC / CTN Certificate
ECTN Reference Number
ECTN-2024-SN-0012345
Date of Issue
15 January 2024
Shipper / Exporter
ABC Trading Company Ltd.
123 Export Avenue, Shanghai, China
Consignee
XYZ Import Services SARL
45 Port Road, Dakar, Senegal
Bill of Lading Number
MAEU123456789
Vessel / Voyage
MSC ANNA / 024W
Port of Loading
Shanghai, China (CNSHA)
Port of Discharge
Dakar, Senegal (SNDKR)
Cargo Description
| Container No. | HS Code | Description | Packages | Weight (KG) | Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSKU1234567 | 8471.30.00 | Laptop Computers | 500 CTN | 2,500 | 125,000 |
| MSKU7654321 | 8517.12.00 | Mobile Phones | 1,000 CTN | 1,800 | 200,000 |
| TOTAL | 1,500 CTN | 4,300 | 325,000 | ||
Validation Date: 15 Jan 2024
Valid Until: 15 Apr 2024
Important Notes
- • All information must exactly match your Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice
- • The ECTN reference number must be printed on the Bill of Lading
- • Keep both digital and printed copies of the validated ECTN
- • Present the ECTN to customs at the destination port for cargo clearance
Need Help with ECTN?
Gloseg can help connect you with authorized ECTN agents and streamline your shipping documentation.