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.

Do I need both a Chad BESC and a Cameroon BESC?

Yes, in most cases. If the cargo is moving through Douala or Kribi, you generally need one certificate for the Cameroon port leg and another for inland customs clearance into Chad. One does not replace the other.

When must the certificates be validated for Chad shipments?

They should be validated no later than two days before vessel arrival or departure, depending on the routing and filing process. In practice, it is much safer to plan for around a week from document submission to validation.

What is the penalty for missing the Chad BESC?

The penalty is typically 100% of the BESC certificate value, effectively doubling the certificate cost, on top of any demurrage or storage charges that build up while the issue is being resolved.

Can I track a Chad ECTN or BESC by number?

Tracking depends on the filing route and provider, but status checks are usually handled through the certificate reference and shipment details. Because Chad shipments often involve the Cameroon transit leg as well, keeping both certificate files aligned is especially important.

Can I get Chad BESC / ECTN online?

Yes. In most cases, the Chad BESC / ECTN application can be handled remotely as long as the shipment documents are complete, internally consistent, and submitted with enough lead time before loading. What matters is not whether the provider is physically close to you, but whether they understand the authority workflow, timing rules, and correction process for Chad-bound cargo.

How do I choose the right provider for Chad BESC / ECTN?

Choose a provider based on accuracy, turnaround time, and country-specific experience rather than generic marketing claims. For Chad shipments, the real risk is not a lack of access to a platform — it is document mismatch, late filing, or using a provider that does not understand how Chad BESC / ECTN validation works for this destination. A good provider should review the Bill of Lading, invoice set, and any customs references before submission and flag problems early.

Do I need a local or near me Chad BESC / ECTN provider?

Usually no. Searches for “Chad BESC / ECTN near me” often mean the shipper wants fast support and a reliable point of contact, but this certificate is normally processed digitally. The better question is whether your provider can issue the correct filing for Chad, respond quickly when amendments are needed, and keep the shipment compliant before loading or arrival deadlines are missed.

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