How to Avoid Fines and Delays on Your Cameroon Shipments
The Cameroon BESC/ECTN certificate must be validated at least 48 hours before the vessel arrives at the destination port. Miss that deadline and you're looking at fines, delays, or cargo being held.
If you’re shipping to Cameroon, there’s one timing rule you really cannot afford to ignore: the BESC/ECTN certificate must be validated at least 48 hours before the vessel arrives at the port of destination.
That window matters a lot. Miss it, and the Cameroonian authorities have the authority to impose fines at the port, delay cargo clearance, or — in serious cases — hold the goods until the situation is resolved.
What Is the Cameroon BESC/ECTN Certificate?
The BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) — also referred to as the ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) — is a mandatory shipping document for all cargo entering Cameroon’s ports, primarily Douala and Kribi.
It’s essentially an official cargo tracking document that records:
- The cargo type, quantity, and declared value
- Vessel and voyage details
- Bill of Lading number
- Shipper and consignee information
- Freight charges
Each Bill of Lading requires its own separate BESC. You can’t use one certificate across multiple B/Ls.
The 48-Hour Rule — What It Actually Means
“Validated at least 48 hours before vessel arrival” means the certificate needs to have gone through the full approval process with Cameroonian authorities — not just submitted, but fully confirmed — two days before the ship docks.
This is worth factoring into your timeline from the start. If the vessel is arriving on a Friday, you ideally need the BESC validated by Wednesday. If the certificate is still pending or has any documentation issues on Thursday, you’re already at risk.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Fines are issued at the port of discharge in Cameroon. The cost varies depending on cargo value and the specific circumstances, but it adds up quickly — especially when combined with demurrage charges if the cargo is held.
If you’ve already been hit with a penalty, don’t assume your shipment is stuck. We regularly work with shippers and forwarders to resolve BESC-related penalties and get cargo moving again. The sooner you contact us after a penalty is issued, the more options we have.
Don’t Leave It Late
The safest approach is to apply for your Cameroon BESC as soon as you have a draft Bill of Lading available — don’t wait for the original. That gives us time to process the certificate, send you a draft for review, submit to Cameroonian authorities, and receive final validation well inside the 48-hour window.
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