Gambia CTN Certificate

Gambia CTN — What It Is and Why It’s Required

Since May 15, 2023, all shipments destined for Gambia — including transit cargo — must carry a CTN (Certificate of Transport Number). The requirement applies to all cargo exports and imports, with no exemptions for shipment type or cargo value.

Banjul is Gambia’s main commercial port. Although Gambia is a small country geographically, it receives a notable volume of transit cargo destined for inland destinations. The CTN must be obtained before the vessel departs, and the reference number must be inserted in both the goods description field and the shipment reference field on the Bill of Lading — a specific double-placement requirement that differentiates Gambia from most other markets.

Required Documents

To obtain a Gambia CTN, submit clear PDF copies of:

• Bill of Lading — draft copy accepted for initial application; original required for final validation
• Commercial Invoice — showing accurate cargo value
• Freight Invoice — required if freight cost is not shown on the commercial invoice
• Customs Declaration

Documents must be final and accurate before submission. Amendments after pre-validation incur penalty fees.

The Double-Placement Requirement

Gambia requires the CTN number in two separate fields on the Bill of Lading:

1. The goods description field
2. The shipment reference field

This is a Gambia-specific requirement. Confirm with your shipping line that the B/L has been updated correctly before departure — having the number in only one field is a common error that can cause clearance issues at Banjul.

Processing Time

Draft certificates are typically issued within one business day if documents are complete and consistent. Final approval generally follows within one additional day after payment confirmation, though the full process can take up to one week. Allow accordingly.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Cargo arriving at Banjul without proper CTN certification faces:

• Doubled fees plus additional charges determined by Gambia’s port authorities — non-compliance costs significantly more than obtaining the certificate on time
• Cargo detention until proper documentation is presented
• Demurrage and storage charges accumulating during any hold period

Once a Gambia CTN has been approved and submitted to the Banjul authorities, it cannot be modified under any circumstances. Ensure all document details are correct before the final submission.

What Products Cannot Be Imported Into Gambia?

Standard West 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 CTN certificates for prohibited goods.

Gambia Trade — Key Figures

Gambia is one of West Africa’s smallest countries by land area, but its port at Banjul handles significant traffic relative to its size. The economy is driven by tourism, groundnut exports, and re-export trade. Import volume runs at approximately 500 million USD annually. Key imports include food products, machinery, petroleum, and consumer goods. Primary trading partners include China, India, Brazil, and European nations.

FAQ

When did the Gambia CTN requirement start? May 15, 2023. Prior to that date, Gambia did not require a CTN. Note that before 2023, Gambia briefly suspended CTN requirements after an earlier introduction — the current requirement is active and being enforced.

Does the CTN apply to transit cargo? Yes. Unlike some other markets where transit cargo is exempt, Gambia’s CTN requirement applies to all cargo including transit shipments.

Why does the CTN number go in two places on the B/L? This is a specific Gambia authority requirement. Both the goods description field and the shipment reference field must contain the CTN number. Confirm this with your shipping line when updating the Bill of Lading.

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