Republic of Congo ECTN/URN Certificate

Republic of Congo ECTN — What It Is and Why It’s Required

All ocean freight shipments destined for the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) require an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) — sometimes designated as a URN (Unique Reference Number). The certificate must be obtained before the vessel departs and the ECTN/URN number must appear on the Bill of Lading.

Pointe-Noire is the Republic of Congo’s main commercial port and one of Central Africa’s most important container terminals. It serves as a direct import point and, to a degree, a transit port for some Central African Republic cargo. The ECTN requirement applies to all direct shipments destined for the Republic of Congo; transit shipments that are only passing through do not require the Congo ECTN.

Note: The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) is a separate country from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC/Congo-Kinshasa). Each has its own distinct certificate requirements.

Required Documents

To obtain a Republic of Congo ECTN/URN, submit clear PDF copies of:

• Bill of Lading — House BL (HBL) acceptable for LCL shipments; the estimated time of departure must be included
• Commercial Invoice — must be issued to the final consignee and clearly state the Incoterm; for CFR terms, FOB value and freight must be shown separately
• Freight Invoice — required if freight costs are not broken out in the commercial invoice
• Export Customs Declaration — all information must align with corresponding details in other documents

One CTN/ECTN certificate is issued per Bill of Lading, in digital format.

Critical Deadline: 10-Day Validation Window

Certificates must be validated within 10 days of the estimated departure date. If this window passes without completion, penalties apply. Additionally, no corrections are permitted after the vessel arrives — ensure all documents are final and accurate before submitting.

Transit Shipments Are Exempt

If your cargo is merely transiting through Pointe-Noire to another destination, a Republic of Congo ECTN is not required. Only shipments being discharged and entering Republic of Congo customs territory require the certificate.

Processing Time

Allow approximately one week from document submission to final validated certificate. A draft is typically issued within a few days once all documents are confirmed as accurate and consistent. The application form can be completed by our team on your behalf.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Financial fines at Pointe-Noire port for cargo arriving without valid ECTN documentation
• Cargo detention — goods will not clear customs until proper documentation is presented
• No post-arrival corrections — once the vessel arrives, amendments are not possible, significantly complicating any documentation issue
• Demurrage and storage charges accumulating during any delay

What Products Cannot Be Imported Into the Republic of Congo?

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.

Republic of Congo Trade — Key Figures

The Republic of Congo’s economy is dominated by oil production, with petroleum accounting for the large majority of export revenue. Import volume runs at approximately 4 billion USD annually. Key imports include machinery, vehicles, food products, and construction materials. China, France, Belgium, and the UAE are major trading partners. Pointe-Noire handles the country’s container traffic and is a significant hub for the Central African region.

FAQ

Is this the same country as the DRC? No. The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC/Congo-Kinshasa) are two separate countries. They have different certificate requirements. Make sure you’re applying for the right certificate for the right Congo.

Does transit cargo through Pointe-Noire need the ECTN? No. Transit shipments are exempt. Only cargo being discharged and entering the Republic of Congo requires the ECTN/URN.

How long do I have to validate my certificate? 10 days from the estimated departure date. No corrections are allowed after vessel arrival, so accuracy from the start is essential.

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