Africa Waiver Certificates

WHAT ARE AFRICAN CARGO TRACKING CERTIFICATES?

African Cargo Waiver Certificates are mandatory digital documents required for shipments destined for more than 20 African countries. They are commonly referred to as Electronic Cargo Tracking Notes (ECTN or CTN) in English and Bordereau Électronique de Suivi de Cargaison (BESC or BSC) in French. In certain countries, these documents are also known as Advanced Cargo Declarations (ACD).

The terminology may vary depending on the destination country. For example, in Gabon, the certificate is known as BIETC (Bordereau d'Identification Électronique de Traçabilité des Cargaisons), while in the Democratic Republic of the Congo it is referred to as FERI (Fiche Électronique des Renseignements à l'Importation). In Yemen and Sudan, the document is commonly known as an Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD).

These certificates are designed to ensure compliance with the import regulations of the destination country while serving as a cargo monitoring and tracking system. The certificate must be presented by the importer to the customs authorities at the destination port.

Purpose of African Cargo Tracking Certificates

• To enhance cargo tracking and transportation security
• To ensure compliance with local import regulations
• To facilitate efficient customs clearance procedures

BSC, CTN, ECTN, BIETC, FERI, ENS, and ACD certificates are fully digital documents. There is no requirement for printing, wet signatures, physical stamping, or postal delivery.

Certificate Preparation Process

The primary document required for certificate issuance is the Bill of Lading (B/L). Once a certificate is issued, its reference number is electronically linked to the Bill of Lading number, ensuring that duplicate certificates cannot be issued for the same shipment.

Certain countries may impose additional requirements. For example, Gabon requires the BIETC certificate number to be printed directly on the Bill of Lading.

While most countries do not impose strict application deadlines, some countries—such as Gabon—have specific and strictly enforced submission timeframes. Detailed information can be found on the respective country-specific pages.

Countries Requiring Cargo Tracking Certificates

More than 20 African countries require these certificates for all cargo shipments destined for their ports. These countries include:

• Angola
• Cameroon
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Gabon
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Senegal
• Togo
• Benin
• Niger
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Madagascar

...and several other countries across West, Central, and East Africa. Please refer to the relevant country pages for detailed requirements and regulations.

Required Documents

The required documentation varies depending on the destination country. However, the most commonly requested documents include:

• Bill of Lading (B/L) – the primary document for certificate issuance
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Export Customs Declaration

For detailed country-specific documentation requirements, please visit the relevant country information page.

Pricing

The cost of cargo tracking certificates varies depending on several factors, including:

• Country of origin and destination
• Container type and quantity
• Breakbulk cargo tonnage and volume
• Ro-Ro cargo quantity and tonnage
• Specific destination country regulations

Each country maintains its own tariff structure in accordance with the regulations established by its respective port and customs authorities.