Cameroon BESC Certificate

What Is the Cameroon BESC?

The BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) — sometimes referred to as the ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) — is a mandatory cargo tracking certificate for all ocean freight shipments entering Cameroon. It applies to cargo arriving at all Cameroonian ports, including Douala and Kribi.

The BESC contains the full details of the shipment: shipper and consignee information, vessel details, loading and discharge ports, container information, cargo description, and freight value. Each Bill of Lading requires its own BESC — one certificate per B/L, no exceptions.

Important: Cameroon BESC is not required if cargo is in transit to landlocked countries such as Chad or the Central African Republic — those countries have their own separate CTN certification procedures.

Why Is the BESC Required?

The BESC serves two core functions. First, it gives Cameroonian port authorities advance notice of what cargo is arriving and when, allowing the port to prepare unloading operations in advance. Second, it reduces the risk of fraud and corruption by putting documented cargo values and descriptions on record before the vessel even departs the loading port.

Without a valid BESC, cargo cannot clear Cameroon customs. Storage charges and financial penalties accumulate until proper documentation is in place.

The 48-Hour Rule — Critical Timing

The BESC/ECTN certificate must be validated at least 48 hours before the vessel arrives at the Cameroonian port of discharge.

This is not a guideline — it’s a hard requirement. If the validation deadline is missed, Cameroonian authorities may impose fines at the port of discharge, delay cargo clearance, or in more serious cases, hold the cargo until the situation is resolved.

The safest approach is to apply for your BESC as soon as a draft Bill of Lading is available. Don’t wait for the original B/L — a draft copy is sufficient to start the process.

Required Documents

To obtain a Cameroon BESC certificate, you will need:

• Bill of Lading — draft copy is acceptable for the initial application
• Commercial Invoice — must show accurate cargo value
• Freight Invoice — if freight charges are not shown on the commercial invoice
• Import Declaration (Déclaration d’Importation) — includes a reference number starting with SGS or GU

For RO-RO vehicle shipments (effective 1 May 2025): One additional document is required — either proof of registration in the FIMEX Importers/Exporters File, or a valid Special Import Authorisation.

How Long Does It Take?

Once all documents are received and payment is confirmed, we send you a draft BESC for review. After your approval, we submit to the Cameroonian authorities. Standard processing typically takes a few days. Allow at least a week when planning to be safe, and account for the 48-hour pre-arrival validation requirement on top of that.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Shipping to Cameroon without a valid BESC, or missing the 48-hour validation window, can result in:

• Fines imposed by Cameroonian customs at the port of discharge
• Cargo delays and port holds
• Accumulating demurrage and storage charges
• In serious cases, cargo being blocked pending resolution

If a penalty has already been issued, contact us immediately — we can often help minimise the impact and get your cargo released as quickly as possible.

What Products Cannot Be Imported?

The following items cannot be imported into Cameroon:

• Animals and animal products from areas affected by epizootic diseases
• Plants from areas affected by epiphytic diseases
• Illegal goods of any kind

We do not process BESC certificates for illegal products or equipment.

Cameroon Trade — Key Figures

Cameroon’s import volume stands at approximately 5.9 billion USD annually. Major imported goods include machinery, vehicles, petroleum products, chemicals, and consumer goods. The port of Douala handles the vast majority of Cameroon’s maritime trade and serves as a gateway for several landlocked countries in Central Africa.