Central African Republic ECTN Certificate

Central African Republic ECTN — What It Is and Why It’s Required

All ocean freight shipments destined for the Central African Republic (CAR) require an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) — also referred to as a BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) or Loading Certificate. A valid ECTN is essential for import customs clearance at the point of entry. Without it, cargo will not be released.

The Central African Republic is a landlocked country — it has no ocean port of its own. The vast majority of sea freight destined for CAR transits through Cameroon, primarily via Douala or Kribi. This means most CAR shipments require two certificates: the CAR ECTN and a Cameroon BESC.

The Double-Certificate Rule for CAR

Because cargo typically transits through Cameroon, you will generally need:

1. A CAR ECTN — for inland customs clearance in the Central African Republic
2. A Cameroon BESC — for the Douala or Kribi port call

These are separate applications with separate fees. We can process both together — contact us with your shipping details and we’ll handle the full documentation for the CAR corridor.

Required Documents

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

• Bill of Lading — draft copy accepted for the initial application
• Commercial Invoice — must show accurate cargo value
• Freight Invoice — required if freight is not included on the commercial invoice
• Customs Declaration

All documents must be coherent and consistent. Hard copies are not needed — digital PDF submissions by email are accepted.

The 5-Day Rule — Critical Deadline

Once you receive the ECTN reference number, you have 5 days to submit the original Bill of Lading (with place, date of issue, and shipped-on-board date, signed and stamped). If this window passes without submission, the certificate is automatically cancelled and penalty fees apply to reinstate it.

Plan for this. Coordinate with your shipping line to ensure the original B/L is issued promptly after the vessel sails.

Processing Time

Allow approximately one week from document submission to final validated certificate. The process includes a pre-validation stage where the reference number is issued, followed by final validation once the original B/L is received. Documents must be coherent throughout — any inconsistency will cause rejection.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

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

What Products Cannot Be Imported Into the Central African Republic?

Standard import restrictions apply:

• Animals and animal by-products from areas with active epizootic diseases
• Plants from areas affected by epiphytic diseases
• Certain distilled and spirituous beverages
• Weapons and related goods (subject to applicable international controls)
• Pornographic materials and gambling equipment

We do not issue certificates for prohibited goods.

Central African Republic Trade — Key Figures

The Central African Republic is one of the world’s most challenging operating environments — landlocked, with limited infrastructure and an economy heavily dependent on mining (diamonds, gold, uranium) and timber. Import volume runs at approximately 300 million USD annually. Key imports include food products, machinery, vehicles, fuel, and manufactured goods. Primary trading partners include Cameroon, France, China, and the UAE. The Douala-Bangui corridor is the country’s primary supply chain artery.

FAQ

Does my CAR shipment need two certificates? In most cases, yes. If your cargo transits through Douala or Kribi (the standard route), you need both the CAR ECTN and a Cameroon BESC. We can process both together.

What happens if I miss the 5-day window for submitting the original B/L? The certificate is automatically cancelled. You’ll need to pay reinstatement fees and resubmit. This is entirely avoidable — coordinate with your shipping line ahead of time.

Who is responsible for getting the ECTN? The shipper or freight forwarder at the port of loading. This cannot be arranged by the consignee in CAR after the vessel has departed.

Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +971 56 470 4833