Benin BESC
BESC is a mandatory document for all ports in Benin
We also have many exporters regularly obtaining BESC Certificate for Benin from us. Our exceptional team is ready to support exporters and freight forwarders in 
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We’ve provided the CTN certificate for over 20 countries to clients worldwide since 2005.
What is BESC?
BESC is a mandatory document for all shipments to Benin, which enables the declaration of goods and receiving permission while the shipment is still at the port of loading. It is required by the Benin Customs Officials for goods discharged at the Port of Cotonou or any other port since 2006.
From November 15, 2021, following interministerial order N° 019_/MIT-MEFDC/SCMIC FUISA1022SGG21 from the Council of Ministers, the ECTN management is transferred from the National Shippers’ Council of Benin (CNCB) to the Autonomous Port of Cotonou (PAC).
Procedure
Here are the simple steps to follow for the BESC application:
- Send scanned copies of the required documents to us by email or the fast application form below.
- You will receive a draft copy of the BESC certificate for your approval of the cargo details.
- After you approve the draft and make the payment we will validate your ECTN application.
- You will receive the validated soft copy of the certificate with the ECTN number by email.
- Bill of Lading – A draft copy can be used for the draft.
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice – It is necessary if the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
- Export Customs Declaration – Details have to be the same across all documents if it is not cross-trade
- Packing List – Details have to be the same as the Commercial Invoice
- According to Benin Customs regulations, all cargo to Benin must be accompanied by a BESC certificate.
- The shipper or his representative must declare cargo in the ECTN system prior to being shipped on board at the origin country. This responsibility does not apply to the floating cargo to Benin.
- Shipments that arrive without BESC or with false information on the BESC gets substantial charge determined by the Benin National Port Officials.
- Please note that we have received confirmation from the Beninese authorities that the cargo type should be “container” for vehicles inside containers.
- This only goes for vehicles inside containers, so the container number is mentioned on the documents.
- Please make sure to add the chassis number of the vehicles in the goods description field for this type of case.
- Of course, vehicles not loaded in containers should be given the cargo type “RoRo”.
- In case the BESC document is not presented, the cargo cannot be cleared through customs which may lead to severe consequences and expenses in the form of fines and port storage charges.
FAQs related to Benin BESC Certificate
BESC stands for Bordereau Électronique de Suivi de Cargaisonis. It is a waiver document that is required at specific African ports. CTN is also known as BESC.
If you are using Benin as a transit point for Nigeria, you need to get a BESC certificate for Benin. Your goods could not be cleared at any port without BESC certification.
To the attention of all shippers, freight forwarders, and economic actors: It has been brought to our attention that authorities are discontent with Benin BESC validations in Port Autonome de Cotonou, with extra charges of 50.000 FCFA. This attitude is against the rules and regulations. Please be reminded that all ECTNs must be issued and validated at the port of loading.
INSTRUCTIONS for the Benin BESC certificate are as follows:
- The Charger, BEFORE loading cargo, must request the BESC waiver certificate.
- All BESC must be validated NO LATER THAN 5 DAYS AFTER the voyage departed.
- Failing to submit the BSC certificate will lead to the cargo not getting custom clearance and being returned to the origin.
- If the Transporter loads a cargo towards Benin without a draft BIETC reference number, he will receive a penalty of 100% of the Freight manifest value for not complying with the Benin law. Click the link for more information and to Apply for Benin BESC.
No, BESC is unique and reserved only for one shipment. Every shipment must have a validated BESC number.
No. Benin BESC certificate number is not required to show on the Bill of Lading.
For a consignment to Niger in transit through Benin, two separate certificates must be issued, for Benin and Niger.
General FAQs
GetCTN is an independent consulting firm that helps clients obtain CTN certificates in many African countries. It is an international company with offices in the USA, UK, and UAE, and its sole business is CTN certification; it is not a freight forwarder, importer, or exporter.
The hard copy of the certificate isn’t necessary at all. Instead, the whole process is completed online.
A bill of lading (BL or BoL) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried.
A commercial invoice is a required document for the export and import clearance process. It is sometimes used for foreign exchange purposes. In the buyer’s country, it is the document their customs officials use to assess import duties and taxes.