Gambia CTN Certificate Suspended Until Further Notice
The Gambia CTN Certificate, which had only just come into effect in May 2023, has been suspended indefinitely. Here's what this means for shippers.
After less than six weeks in operation, the Gambia CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) Certificate requirement has been suspended until further notice.
The requirement originally took effect on 15 May 2023, making it mandatory for all ocean freight shipments destined for Gambian ports to carry a valid CTN number on the Bill of Lading. However, following the suspension, shippers are no longer required to obtain a CTN certificate for Gambia until a new effective date is formally announced.
What Happened?
The Gambia CTN requirement was a relatively new regulation — one of several cargo tracking mandates rolled out across West Africa in 2023. Like similar programmes in Somalia, Burkina Faso, and Djibouti, it was designed to improve cargo visibility and help port authorities manage incoming shipments more efficiently.
The suspension was issued shortly after the regulation came into force, and no specific reason was given publicly. This kind of temporary pause is not unusual when a new cargo tracking regime is introduced — authorities sometimes need additional time to align systems, train port operators, or resolve technical issues before enforcing compliance.
What This Means for Shippers
For now, shipments to Gambia can proceed without a CTN certificate. However, shippers should be aware that:
- The suspension is described as being until further notice — it could be lifted at any point
- When the requirement is reinstated, it will very likely apply immediately, with little warning
- Staying on top of this update is important, especially for freight forwarders and agents with regular Gambia lanes
Stay Updated
Regulations across West Africa change quickly. If you’re shipping to Gambia or any other African market, it’s worth keeping close tabs on the latest requirements rather than assuming the status quo holds.
Our team monitors regulatory changes across all 34+ markets we serve. If you have a shipment heading to Gambia and want to confirm the current position, reach out and we’ll give you the most up-to-date information.
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