Equatorial Guinea ECTN Certificate

Equatorial Guinea ECTN — What It Is and Why It’s Required

Since 2000, all imports into Equatorial Guinea require an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) — also referred to as a BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison). This is one of the longer-standing cargo tracking certificate requirements in Africa, and enforcement is consistent and well-established.

Failure to present the ECTN upon shipment arrival leads to severe penalties. The certificate must be obtained before the vessel departs the port of loading, with the ECTN number recorded on the Bill of Lading.

Equatorial Guinea’s main ports are:

• Malabo — on Bioko Island (the capital region), the primary commercial port
• Bata — on the mainland (Rio Muni region), the secondary commercial port

Required Documents

To obtain an Equatorial Guinea ECTN, submit clear PDF copies of:

• Bill of Lading — draft copies accepted; original required for final validation
• Commercial Invoice — must show accurate cargo value with correct Incoterms
• Freight Invoice — required if freight cost is not included on the commercial invoice
• Export Customs Declaration — all details must match the other submitted documents (required if the shipment is not a cross-trade transaction)

Documents must be final and complete before submission. Amendments after pre-validation incur penalty fees. Hard copies are not required — digital PDF submissions are accepted.

Processing Time

Allow approximately one week from document submission to final validated certificate. Draft certificates are typically issued within a few days once all documents are confirmed accurate and consistent.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Equatorial Guinea is described as having severe penalties for cargo arriving without valid ECTN documentation:

• Significant financial fines at the port of discharge
• Cargo detention — goods will not clear customs without proper documentation
• Demurrage and storage charges accumulating throughout any delay
• Customs examination of non-compliant cargo

Given Equatorial Guinea’s oil-driven economy and the associated high port costs, delays are particularly expensive. Getting the ECTN right first time is essential.

What Products Cannot Be Imported Into Equatorial Guinea?

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 controlled substances without proper authorisation
• Pornographic materials and gambling equipment

We do not issue ECTN certificates for prohibited goods.

Equatorial Guinea Trade — Key Figures

Equatorial Guinea is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producers and has one of the continent’s highest GDP per capita figures. The economy is heavily petroleum-dependent, with oil and gas accounting for over 90% of export revenue. Import volume runs at approximately 2 billion USD annually. Key imports include machinery, vehicles, food products, chemicals, and construction materials. Spain, China, the United States, and France are major trading partners. Despite its small population (approximately 1.5 million), Equatorial Guinea’s oil wealth drives significant import demand, particularly for industrial equipment and consumer goods.

FAQ

How long has Equatorial Guinea required the ECTN? Since 2000 — making it one of the earliest adopters of cargo tracking certification in Africa. Enforcement is well-established and consistent.

Which port do I ship to — Malabo or Bata? It depends on the destination within the country. Malabo serves Bioko Island (the capital); Bata serves the mainland Rio Muni region. Most heavy industrial cargo goes to Bata due to better road infrastructure. We can advise based on your delivery address.

Can the ECTN be amended after validation? No. Amendments after pre-validation incur penalty fees, and changes are not straightforward. Submit final, accurate documents from the outset.

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