Senegal ECTN Certificate

Senegal BSC — What It Is and Why It’s Required

All shipments destined for Dakar, Senegal must have a BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) — a cargo tracking certificate that must be validated and have its number shown on the Bill of Lading before the vessel departs the port of loading.

Dakar is one of West Africa’s most important port cities, serving as a regional hub for both direct imports and transit cargo heading inland to Mali, Guinea, and other landlocked markets. The BSC requirement is part of Senegal’s system for maintaining proper documentation of all incoming cargo.

What the BSC Contains

The BSC is a digital certificate issued per Bill of Lading. It records:

• Cargo type, description, and quantity
• Shipper and consignee information (including contact details)
• Port of loading and discharge
• Vessel and voyage details
• Container information
• Freight and cargo value

Each B/L requires its own BSC number — you cannot apply one BSC across multiple Bills of Lading.

Required Documents for Senegal BSC

To process a Senegal BSC, you’ll need to provide:

• Bill of Lading — draft copy is accepted for the initial application
• Commercial Invoice — showing the accurate cargo value
• Freight Invoice — if freight charges are not included in the commercial invoice
• Importer’s email address and telephone number

All documents should be submitted as clear PDF copies.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel the BSC application at any point during the process. However, it’s best to only apply once you’re confident the shipment is confirmed and all document details are accurate.

Certificate Cost

The Senegal ECTN/BSC fee is calculated as a percentage of the shipment’s freight value (typically 0.5–1%) and varies by cargo type and Bill of Lading value. There is a minimum fee per B/L regardless of cargo value. For multi-leg shipments where Dakar is a transit port for landlocked destinations (Mali, Guinea), you need two separate certificates — a Senegal BSC and the destination country’s certificate — each with its own fee.

Contact us for a specific quote based on your cargo and routing. We provide a full cost breakdown before you commit to the application.

What Products Are Prohibited From Import Into Senegal?

The following goods cannot be imported into Senegal:

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

We do not issue BSC certificates for any illegal goods or equipment.

Staying Current on Senegal Requirements

Cargo regulations do change. If you have a regular Senegal shipping lane and want to make sure you’re working with the latest requirements — particularly around documentation, importer details, or specific cargo types — reach out to our team for a current status check.

FAQ

Is a Senegal BSC required for transit cargo going to Mali or Guinea? Yes. If your cargo is entering Mali or Guinea via the port of Dakar, you need both a Senegal BSC and the destination country’s ECTN. These are two separate applications with separate fees. The Senegal BSC covers the Dakar port leg; the Mali or Guinea ECTN covers the onward inland journey.

What is the BSC number and where does it go? The BSC number is a unique reference assigned to each Bill of Lading. It must appear on the original Bill of Lading before the vessel sails. Instruct your shipping line at the time of booking to add the BSC number to the B/L once you receive the draft certificate from us.

Can one BSC cover multiple shipments? No. Each Bill of Lading requires its own BSC. You cannot use one BSC number across multiple B/Ls, even for the same shipper and consignee on the same vessel.

How early should I apply before sailing? Apply as soon as you have a confirmed booking and draft Bill of Lading. The BSC reference number (needed on the B/L) is typically issued within 24 hours of receiving complete documents. The final validated certificate follows within 3–5 business days. Do not wait until the week before sailing — document corrections or missing information can cause delays.

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