ITR Logistics and Trade DMCC
Complete Guide · Updated 2026

ECTN Certificate — What It Is, Who Needs It & How to Apply

The ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) — also called BESC, BSC, or CTN depending on the country — is a mandatory cargo certificate required for imports into 25+ African and Middle Eastern countries. This guide covers everything: what it is, which countries require it, what documents you need, how to apply, and what happens if you don't have one.

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What Is an ECTN Certificate?

An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a digital certificate issued per Bill of Lading that gives the destination country's government advance information about every sea freight shipment before it arrives. The issuing authority validates the cargo description, weight, value, shipper and consignee details, and vessel information — and assigns a unique ECTN reference number that must appear on the Bill of Lading before the vessel departs.

Think of it as a digital manifest pre-clearance. Customs authorities in the destination country use the ECTN to verify cargo values against import duty calculations, detect smuggling and undervaluation, and streamline port clearance. Without a valid ECTN number, cargo arrives "blind" — and in most countries, it simply will not be released.

The ECTN system was introduced progressively across Africa and the Middle East from the early 2000s onward. Togo was one of the first adopters; today more than 25 countries mandate it. The certificate is issued by government-appointed authorised agents — ITR Logistics and Trade DMCC is an authorised partner for all countries we serve.

ECTN, BESC, BSC, CTN — What's the Difference?

All of these are cargo tracking certificates. They are functionally identical — the same concept, the same mandatory requirement, the same process. Different countries and different regulatory bodies use different acronyms, which creates confusion for shippers working across multiple corridors.

ECTN Electronic Cargo Tracking Note Used in: Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Burundi, Chad, CAR, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Algeria, Djibouti, South Sudan, Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone
BESC Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons Used in: Cameroon, Benin, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Somalia
BSC Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison Used in: Senegal, Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Burundi (also called ECTN)
CTN Cargo Tracking Note Used in: Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Somalia
BIETC Bordereau International d'Entrée des Marchandises Used in: Gabon (legacy name — now standardised as BESC)
ACD / ARC / ACID Advance Cargo Declaration / variants Used in: Yemen (ACD), Angola (ARC/CNCA), Egypt (ACID) — similar system, country-specific names

Bottom line: When you see any of these names on a shipping requirement, it means the same thing — you need a cargo tracking certificate before the vessel sails.

Who Needs an ECTN Certificate?

Any company or individual shipping goods by sea to one of the countries listed below requires an ECTN (or equivalent) certificate for that shipment. This applies regardless of:

  • The type of cargo (commercial, personal, machinery, vehicles, food, industrial)
  • The cargo value (most countries have no minimum threshold)
  • The Incoterms (whether CIF, FOB, or any other terms)
  • Whether the cargo is a full container (FCL) or groupage (LCL)
  • Whether the cargo is direct or transit (transit cargo usually still requires the certificate)
  • Who the shipper or consignee is (no exemptions for regular importers)

Diplomatic cargo, humanitarian shipments, and government-to-government cargo may be exempt in some countries — contact us to confirm for your specific situation.

What Documents Are Required?

The core documents are the same across most countries. Additional documents may be required for specific destinations — see the individual country guides for details.

Bill of Lading Draft copy accepted for initial application. The final validated ECTN number must appear on the original B/L. Must show accurate port of loading, port of discharge, vessel name, container numbers, cargo description, and consignee.
Commercial Invoice Must show the accurate FOB or CIF cargo value, HS codes, Incoterms, country of origin, and full shipper/consignee details. Undervalued invoices are a primary cause of ECTN rejection and customs penalties.
Freight Invoice Required if the freight cost is not shown on the commercial invoice. The total landed value — including freight — is what authorities use to calculate import duties.
Packing List Required by some countries (Mali, Madagascar, others). Must include gross and net weights per container, container numbers, and detailed cargo description matching the commercial invoice.
Customs Declaration Required in some countries. Confirm with your freight forwarder whether this is needed before submission.
Importer details Some countries (Madagascar, Senegal) require the importer's email and telephone number, or active registration on the national customs platform. Confirm this is in place before your first shipment.

How to Apply for an ECTN Certificate — Step by Step

1
Confirm the requirement Before booking the shipment, check the specific ECTN (or equivalent) requirement for the destination country. Use our country guides below. Pay particular attention to dual-certificate requirements for landlocked countries transiting through Cotonou, Lomé, or Dakar — those routes may require two certificates.
2
Contact ITR to open the application Email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp +971 56 470 4833 with the destination country and shipment details. We'll confirm the exact requirements and fee for your specific cargo and route.
3
Submit your documents Once you have a draft or final Bill of Lading, send it along with the commercial invoice, freight invoice, and any other required documents as PDF copies. Documents must be accurate and consistent — any discrepancies between the B/L, invoice, and packing list will delay the process.
4
Receive your ECTN reference number We will issue a draft certificate with the unique ECTN reference number — typically within 24 hours of receiving complete, accurate documents. This number must be added to the Bill of Lading by your shipping line before the vessel sails.
5
Add the ECTN number to the B/L Instruct your shipping line to add the ECTN number to the Bill of Lading. Some countries also require the number on the cargo manifest (Liberia). Confirm with your shipping line at the time of booking.
6
Receive the final validated certificate Once the original B/L is confirmed (usually within 5 business days of vessel departure), the final validated certificate is issued. This is the document your consignee presents at destination customs clearance.

Processing Time

Draft certificate (ECTN reference number) Within 24 hours
Final validated certificate 3–7 business days
Urgent processing Same day (contact us)

Times are from receipt of complete, accurate documents. Incomplete or inconsistent documents will delay processing. Apply as early as possible — do not wait until 24 hours before sailing.

Certificate Costs

ECTN fees are set by each country's government authority and are non-negotiable. They are typically calculated as a percentage of the cargo's freight value (usually 0.5–1.5%) or as a flat fee per Bill of Lading. Fees vary significantly between countries and cargo types.

For landlocked countries where two certificates are required (e.g., Mali via Cotonou needs both a Mali ECTN and a Benin BESC), the costs are separate and additive.

Get a quote for your shipment

What Happens Without an ECTN?

The consequences of shipping without a valid ECTN certificate are severe and, in most countries, unavoidable:

  • All countries: Customs clearance refused — cargo will not be released until correct documentation is presented or penalty fees are paid
  • Most countries: Financial penalties calculated as a multiple of the original certificate fee
  • All countries: Port storage and demurrage charges accumulate daily while the issue is being resolved
  • Madagascar: Cargo is returned to the port of origin — no in-country resolution is available
  • Liberia / Nigeria / Togo: Additional NPA or port authority fines on top of standard penalties

ECTN Requirements by Country — 2026

Each country has different certificate names, documents requirements, transit rules, and deadlines. Select your destination country below for the full detailed guide.

Middle East

Yemen ACD

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ECTN certificate?

An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory digital document required by over 25 African countries for all sea freight entering their territory. It functions as an advanced cargo declaration — the shipping authority uses it to track every container before it arrives, verify customs values, and calculate import duties. Without a valid ECTN number on the Bill of Lading, cargo cannot clear customs.

What is the difference between ECTN, BESC, BSC, CTN, and BIETC?

They are all cargo tracking certificates — different countries just use different names for the same concept. ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is the most widely used international term. BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) is the French equivalent used by Cameroon, Benin, and Gabon. BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) is used by Senegal, Madagascar, and Ivory Coast. CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) is used by Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, and Liberia. The certificate you need depends entirely on the destination country.

Which countries require an ECTN or equivalent certificate?

Over 25 countries currently require a cargo tracking certificate for all sea freight imports. These include Togo, Cameroon, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Gabon, Republic of Congo, DR Congo, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Burundi, Djibouti, South Sudan, Somalia, Madagascar, Libya, Algeria, Egypt, and Yemen. Requirements change — always confirm before shipping.

How long does it take to get an ECTN certificate?

Processing time is typically 1–5 business days depending on the country. Draft certificates (which include the ECTN reference number needed on the Bill of Lading) are usually issued within 24 hours once all documents are submitted accurately. Final validated certificates take 3–7 business days. For urgent shipments, same-day draft processing is often possible — contact us directly.

What documents are needed to apply for an ECTN certificate?

The core documents required for most countries are: (1) Bill of Lading — draft copy accepted for initial application, (2) Commercial Invoice showing accurate cargo value, (3) Freight Invoice if freight cost is not on the commercial invoice, and (4) Customs Declaration or Packing List. Some countries have additional requirements — Madagascar requires importer registration on the national platform, and Djibouti has stricter pre-arrival timelines. We will confirm exact requirements based on your destination.

Can I get the ECTN number after the vessel has sailed?

No. The ECTN reference number must be obtained before the vessel departs the port of loading, and it must appear on the original Bill of Lading. Post-sailing applications are not accepted and create serious customs problems at the destination port. Apply as soon as your booking is confirmed and the BL details are known.

What happens if my shipment doesn't have an ECTN?

Consequences vary by country but are always severe. Most countries impose substantial financial penalties, detain cargo at the port (with accumulating demurrage and storage fees), and refuse customs clearance until documentation is in order. Madagascar goes further — cargo arriving without a valid BSC is returned to its origin. There is no workaround. Always obtain the certificate before sailing.

Does transit cargo need an ECTN?

Yes, in most cases. Transit certificates follow the cargo for the entire journey from the port of loading to the inland customs point. For landlocked countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, or Burundi, the certificate covers the full transit route. Additionally, some transit ports (Cotonou, Lomé, Dakar, Conakry) require their own separate certificate in addition to the destination country's certificate. Double certificates may be required depending on the routing.

How much does an ECTN certificate cost?

Certificate fees are set by the issuing government authority and vary by country and cargo value. Fees are calculated as a percentage of the cargo freight value (typically 0.5–1.5%) or as a flat rate per Bill of Lading. Contact us for a quote specific to your destination country and cargo — we'll provide a complete cost breakdown including all government fees.

Can one ECTN cover multiple Bills of Lading?

No. Each Bill of Lading requires its own separate ECTN number. You cannot apply one certificate across multiple B/Ls, even if they are from the same shipper, consignee, and voyage. Each shipment is a separate application.

Need an ECTN Certificate?

ITR Logistics is an authorised ECTN partner for all countries we cover. Average processing: 24 hours for the reference number.

Apply now — get your ECTN reference today

Email: [email protected]  ·  WhatsApp: +971 56 470 4833  ·  Available 24/7