Chad ECTN Certificate

Chad BESC — What It Is and Why It’s Required

Since January 1, 2020, all exports to and imports from Chad require a BESC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) — also known internationally as an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note). Cargo cannot clear Chad customs without a valid, certified BESC number on the Bill of Lading.

Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa. The vast majority of its ocean freight transits through Cameroon — primarily via the port of Douala (the main commercial gateway) and increasingly via Kribi (the new deep-water port). This means that shipments to Chad almost always require two certificates: one for Chad and one for Cameroon.

The Double-Certificate Rule for Chad

This is the most important thing to know about shipping to Chad: because cargo transits through Cameroon, you typically need both:

1. A Chad BESC — for the inland customs clearance in Chad
2. A Cameroon BESC — for the Douala or Kribi port call

These are separate applications processed independently. The Chad BESC alone does not satisfy Cameroonian port requirements, and vice versa.

Plan for both certificates when routing cargo to N’Djamena or any other Chad destination. Contact us and we’ll handle both in a single engagement.

Required Documents

To obtain a Chad BESC, submit clear PDF copies of:

• Bill of Lading — original or final draft
• Commercial Invoice — must show accurate cargo value
• Freight Invoice — required if freight cost is not shown on the commercial invoice

All documents must be coherent and consistent. Validation must occur no later than two days before vessel arrival or departure — plan accordingly.

Processing Time

Allow approximately one week from document submission to final validated certificate. A draft certificate is typically shared for confirmation within a few days. Do not submit documents until they are in final form — amendments after pre-validation incur penalty fees.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Chad enforces its BESC requirement strictly. Non-compliant cargo faces:

• A penalty equal to 100% of the BESC certificate value — effectively doubling the cost of the certification for late or missing certificates
• Cargo detention at Douala or inland until documentation is resolved
• Accumulating demurrage and storage charges at the Cameroon transit port

What Products Cannot Be Imported Into Chad?

Standard Central African 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
• Pornographic materials and gambling equipment

We do not issue certificates for prohibited goods.

Chad Trade — Key Figures

Chad’s economy is driven primarily by oil exports, with petroleum accounting for the majority of export revenue. Import volume runs at approximately 2.5 billion USD annually. Key imports include machinery, vehicles, food products, and construction materials. China, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Cameroon are major trading partners. The Douala-N’Djamena corridor is Chad’s primary supply chain artery.

FAQ

Do I need both a Chad BESC and a Cameroon BESC? Yes, in most cases. If your cargo transits through Douala or Kribi (the standard routes), you need both a Chad BESC and a Cameroon BESC. We can process both for you together.

When must the certificates be validated? No later than two days before vessel arrival or departure. Aim for earlier — plan for a full week from document submission to validation.

What is the penalty for missing the Chad BESC? 100% of the BESC certificate value — effectively a doubling of the certification cost — plus any demurrage and storage fees.

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