Knowledge Base
ECTN guides and frequently asked questions
41 articles across 6 categories
ECTN Certificate Validity, Extensions, and Common Timing Issues
How long is an ECTN certificate valid? What if the vessel is delayed? What happens when it expires? A guide to ECTN timing questions.
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Understanding ECTN Fee Structure: Why There's No One-Size-Fits-All Price
ECTN fees include base certification, document review, and handling charges — varying by country, cargo value, and type. A detailed breakdown.
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Latest ECTN Policy Changes Across Africa (2025–2026)
African countries continue updating ECTN/BESC/CNCA policies — new additions, system upgrades, fee adjustments. Continuously updated.
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Role of the Bill of Lading in ECTN Applications
The bill of lading is a core ECTN application document. Learn about B/L types, required fields, and common issues.
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How to Avoid Common ECTN Application Mistakes
Document inconsistencies, missing information, and late applications are top reasons for ECTN rejection. Learn 8 common mistakes and how to avoid them.
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Complete ECTN Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
A detailed 6-step walkthrough of the ECTN application process — from document submission to certificate issuance, with timelines and tips.
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ECTN vs BESC vs CNCA: What's the Difference?
All three are African cargo tracking certificates — they differ in name and issuing authority by country.
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How long does processing take?
With complete documents, initial review is usually within 24 hours; issuance varies by country.
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Which documents are required?
Typically commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading; requirements vary by country.
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When do I need an ECTN?
You must obtain a valid number before loading; cargo may be held otherwise.
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What is an ECTN?
An ECTN is a pre-shipment compliance certificate required by some African destinations.
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Togo ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to Togo.
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Chad ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to Chad.
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South Sudan ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to South Sudan.
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Somalia ECTN Application Guide
Somalia requires an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) for all import shipments.
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Senegal BSC Application Guide
A BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaisons) certificate is required for all shipments going to Senegal.
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Sierra Leone CTN Application Guide
Sierra Leone requires a CTN for all import shipments.
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Sudan ACD Application Guide
Sudan requires an ACD (Advance Cargo Declaration) for all import shipments.
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Nigeria ICTN Application Guide
Nigeria requires an ICTN (Import Cargo Tracking Note) for imports.
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Niger ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to Niger.
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Mali BESC Application Guide
A BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi de Cargaisons) certificate is required for all shipments going to Mali.
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Madagascar BSC Application Guide
A BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaisons) certificate is required for all shipments going to Madagascar.
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Liberia CTN Application Guide
Liberia requires an ECTN/BESC for all import shipments.
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Libya ECTN Application Guide
Libya requires an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) for import cargo.
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Guinea-Bissau CEE Application Guide
A CEE (Certificado Eletronico de Embarque) certificate is required for all shipments going to Guinea-Bissau.
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Equatorial Guinea ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to Equatorial Guinea.
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Guinea ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to Guinea.
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Gambia ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to the Gambia
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Ghana ETCN Application Guide
Ghana requires an ETCN (Electronic Tracking Cargo Note), also known as CTN or ECTN, for all import shipments.
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Gabon BIETC Application Guide
A BIETC (Bordereau d'Identification Électronique de Tracabilité des Cargaisons) certificate is required for all shipments going to Gabon.
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Egypt ACID Application Guide
Egypt requires an ACID (Advanced Cargo Information Declaration) for import shipments.
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Djibouti CTN Application Guide
A CTN certificate, also known as an ECTN, BSC, or BESC, is a mandatory loading document that must accompany all shipments that will be unloaded in Djibouti regardless of final destination.
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Cameroon BESC Application Guide
A BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi de Cargaisons) certificate is required for all shipments going to Cameroon.
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Côte d'Ivoire BSC Application Guide
A BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaisons) certificate is required for all shipments going to Ivory Coast.
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Congo ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to the Republic of the Congo.
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Central African Republic ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to the Central African Republic.
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DR Congo FERI Application Guide
A FERI (Fiche Électronique des Renseignements a l'Importation) certificate is required for all shipments going to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Benin BESC Application Guide
A BESC (Bordereau Electronique de Suivi de Cargaison) certificate is required for all shipments discharged at the port of Cotonou.
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Burundi ECTN Application Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to Burundi.
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Burkina Faso ECTN Application Guide
The ECTN is mandatory for all shipments going to Burkina Faso, including transit shipments.
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Angola CNCA Application Guide
This vital document — also called the ARC Number or CNCA — is a requirement for cargo clearance.
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