ECTN, BESC, CTN, FERI, ACD — it's all the same certificate
Different African and MENA countries use different names for the same mandatory pre-shipment cargo tracking document. This guide explains what each name means, which countries use it, and what you need to do.
Why so many names?
Each African country that requires a cargo tracking certificate works through its own designated national authority or a government-appointed partner. That authority chose its own name for the certificate — usually matching the country's official language (English or French). The result is a patchwork of acronyms for what is essentially one product: a mandatory pre-departure declaration that the shipping authority uses to track cargo value and calculate import duties.
When someone in the industry says "get your ECTN" or "we need the BESC" — they mean the same thing. The only thing that changes is the country, the issuing body, and the specific documents required.
All certificate names, explained
The name on the certificate you need is determined by your destination country — not by you or your forwarder.
| Name | Full name | Used in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECTN | Electronic Cargo Tracking Note | Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Chad, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Djibouti, South Sudan, Somalia, Algeria, Libya | The most widely used international term. If you're unsure which certificate applies, ECTN is usually the safe starting point. |
| BESC | Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons | Cameroon, Benin, Gabon | The French-language equivalent of ECTN. Same product, different name — used by Francophone West and Central African countries. |
| BSC | Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison | Senegal, Ivory Coast, Madagascar | Another French-language variant. Functionally identical to BESC and ECTN. |
| CTN | Cargo Tracking Note | Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia | Anglophone West Africa. Same cargo tracking purpose, same documents required. |
| FERI | Fiche Electronique de Renseignement à Import | Democratic Republic of Congo | DRC uses a different name and system, but the mechanics are the same: mandatory pre-departure certificate for all sea freight. |
| ACD | Advanced Cargo Declaration | Yemen, Sudan | Used in MENA destinations covered by ITR. Same pre-shipment declaration model. |
| ACID | Advance Cargo Information Declaration | Egypt | Egypt's system for air and sea freight. Mandatory submission before loading. |
| CNCA / ARCCLA | Agência Reguladora de Certificação de Cargas e Logística de Angola | Angola | Angola's loading certificate, issued by the national regulatory body. Originally called CNCA, now ARCCLA — both names are still in use. |
The process is the same regardless of the name
Provide your shipping documents
Draft Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice, and Packing List. A draft B/L is fine — you don't need the original.
We process with the issuing authority
We submit your documents to the relevant national authority or their designated partner. Processing time is typically 1 hour for the draft certificate.
You get a draft certificate and invoice
The draft includes the certificate reference number, which must appear on the final Bill of Lading. Review it, make any corrections, then pay.
Final certificate issued
After payment, we finalise and send the validated certificate to you. The process is complete before your vessel sails.
Three rules that apply to every certificate type
Must be obtained before sailing
No certificate after the vessel has departed. The certificate number must appear on the original Bill of Lading — not added later.
One certificate per Bill of Lading
Each B/L requires its own separate certificate — even if same shipper, same vessel, same destination. No grouping allowed.
Transit cargo needs one too
Landlocked countries (Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Burundi) require the certificate for the full journey. Some transit ports require their own certificate in addition.
Find the certificate for your destination
Each country guide covers exactly what's required, which documents to prepare, and processing timelines.
Frequently asked questions
Are ECTN, BESC, CTN, and FERI the same thing?
Yes — they are all names for the same type of mandatory pre-shipment cargo tracking certificate required at the port of loading. The destination country chooses which name to use based on the issuing authority and language. The purpose, the documents required, and the consequences of not having one are essentially identical across all variants.
How do I know which certificate I need?
It depends entirely on the destination country. Every country that requires one has its own official name for the certificate. Check our country guides or contact us — tell us your destination country and we'll confirm exactly which certificate you need.
Can one certificate cover multiple names?
No. Each country's certificate is issued by that country's designated authority and covers shipments specifically to that destination. A Cameroon BESC cannot substitute for a Togo ECTN, even though they are the same type of document.
What happens if I get the wrong certificate type?
The customs authority at the destination will reject it. Cargo will be held until the correct certificate is obtained — by which point you're already incurring demurrage costs. Always confirm the correct certificate type before applying.
Does one Bill of Lading need one certificate?
Yes, always. Each Bill of Lading requires its own separate certificate number, regardless of the certificate's name or the destination country. You cannot group multiple B/Ls under one certificate.
Not sure which certificate you need?
Tell us your destination and we'll confirm the exact certificate, documents required, and processing time — usually within a few hours.