Burundi ECTN Certificate

Burundi ECTN — What It Is and Why It’s Required

All shipments destined for Burundi — including commercial, personal, and diplomatic cargo — require an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note), also referred to as a BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) or loading certificate. The certificate must be obtained before the vessel departs the port of loading, and each unique shipment requires its own unique ECTN number.

Burundi is a landlocked country in East Africa. All sea freight enters the country via transit ports, primarily Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) or Mombasa (Kenya). The ECTN covers the journey from the port of origin through to the inland customs clearance point in Burundi.

Required Documents

To obtain a Burundi ECTN, submit clear PDF copies of:

• Bill of Lading — draft copy accepted for initial application; original required for final validation (must be submitted within 5 days of receiving the ECTN reference number)
• Commercial Invoice — must show accurate cargo value
• Freight Invoice — required if freight cost is not shown on the commercial invoice
• Customs Declaration

Document accuracy is critical. All details across all submitted documents must match exactly. If discrepancies are found after pre-validation, the certificate will be rejected and no refund will be issued until corrected documents are provided.

The 5-Day Rule

Once you receive your ECTN reference number, you have 5 days to submit the original Bill of Lading (stamped, dated, with shipped-on-board notation). Missing this window results in automatic cancellation of the certificate and penalty fees for reinstatement.

Coordinate with your shipping line to ensure the original B/L is issued and transmitted promptly.

Processing Time

Allow approximately one week from document submission to final validated certificate. Pre-validation is typically issued within a few days once documents are confirmed as accurate and coherent.

Transit Port Considerations

Burundi cargo most commonly transits via:

• Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) — the primary corridor
• Mombasa (Kenya) — the secondary corridor

For the transit port itself, check whether a separate transit country certificate is also required, as requirements change periodically. Contact us for the latest status on whether Tanzania or Kenya require additional documentation for your specific routing.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Cargo detention at the transit port and/or inland entry point
• Financial penalties from Burundi customs authorities
• Automatic cancellation fees if the 5-day B/L window is missed
• Penalty charges for any amendments after pre-validation
• Demurrage and storage charges accumulating during any documentation delay

What Products Cannot Be Imported Into Burundi?

Standard East African import restrictions apply:

• Animals and animal by-products from areas with active epizootic diseases
• Plants from areas affected by epiphytic diseases
• Certain controlled substances and pharmaceuticals without proper authorisation
• Pornographic materials and gambling equipment

We do not issue ECTN certificates for prohibited goods.

Burundi Trade — Key Figures

Burundi is one of the world’s poorest economies, but continues to develop its import infrastructure. Key exports include coffee, tea, and gold. Import volume runs at approximately 800 million USD annually. Key imports include food products, machinery, fuel, and consumer goods. China, Tanzania, Kenya, India, and the UAE are major trading partners. The Dar es Salaam corridor is the primary supply chain route for most of Burundi’s seaborne trade.

FAQ

Does the ECTN cover all cargo types for Burundi? Yes. The Burundi ECTN applies to commercial, personal, and diplomatic cargo equally — all inbound shipments require it.

Which port is best for shipping to Burundi — Dar es Salaam or Mombasa? Both are viable. Dar es Salaam is more commonly used. The choice depends on your shipping line connections and the availability of onward transport. Contact us and we’ll advise based on your specific origin.

What happens if my documents have mismatches? The certificate will be rejected after pre-validation, and no refund is issued until corrected documents are provided. Always verify all document details match exactly before submitting.

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