Mali ECTN Certificate

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

Since January 1, 2020, all ocean freight destined for Mali requires a BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) — also known internationally as an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note). Cargo cannot clear Mali customs without a valid, certified BESC number — there is no grace period and no exception.

Mali is a landlocked country with no direct port access. All sea freight enters via transit ports in neighbouring coastal countries. The BESC is applied at the port of loading and covers the full transit journey to the final destination in Mali. It must be obtained before the vessel departs the port of origin.

Which Transit Ports Are Used?

Mali cargo can route through several West and Central African ports. The certificate requirements differ depending on which transit port is used:

Transit Port	Country	Additional Certificate Required?
Abidjan	Ivory Coast	No additional certificate needed
Tema	Ghana	No additional certificate needed
Dakar	Senegal	Yes — Senegal BSC also required
Conakry	Guinea	Yes — Guinea ECTN also required
Cotonou	Benin	Yes — Benin BESC also required
Lomé	Togo	Yes — Togo ECTN also required

If your cargo transits via Abidjan or Tema, the Mali BESC alone covers the entire journey. If it transits via Dakar, Conakry, Cotonou, or Lomé, you will need both the Mali BESC and the transit port’s own certificate — these are separate applications.

Required Documents

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

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

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

Processing Time

Allow approximately one week from document submission to final validated certificate. A draft certificate is typically issued the same day once documents are confirmed as accurate and consistent, with the full validation completing within a few days.

Given Mali’s landlocked status and the complexity of multi-leg transit routes, we recommend applying as early as possible once the Bill of Lading details are confirmed.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Financial penalties at the Mali customs point of entry — cargo without a valid BESC cannot clear inland customs
• Cargo detention at the transit port until documentation is resolved
• Accumulating demurrage at the transit port
• Penalty fees for amendments to documents after pre-validation

What Products Cannot Be Imported Into Mali?

Standard West African customs restrictions apply:

• Animals and animal by-products from areas with active epizootic diseases
• Plants from areas with epiphytic diseases
• Certain distilled and spirituous beverages
• Pornographic materials and gambling equipment

We do not issue BESC certificates for prohibited goods.

Mali Trade — Key Figures

Mali is one of West Africa’s most significant landlocked economies, with gold as the primary export and strong import demand for manufactured goods, machinery, food products, and fuel. Annual import volume runs at approximately 4.5 billion USD. Primary trading partners include Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, France, China, and the UAE. The Abidjan corridor (via Ivory Coast) handles the largest share of Mali’s sea freight traffic.

FAQ

Does Mali cargo need two certificates if it goes through Dakar? Yes. You need both a Mali BESC and a Senegal BSC. These are separate applications with separate fees. The same applies for transits through Cotonou (Benin) and Lomé (Togo).

What if my cargo goes through Abidjan? In that case, you only need the Mali BESC — no additional Ivory Coast certificate is required for Mali transit via Abidjan. The same applies to Tema (Ghana).

When did the Mali BESC become mandatory? January 1, 2020. There are no exemptions, and the grace period ended long ago.

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