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kyle.hallner@getctn.com
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What is ECTN?
ECTN is a mandatory loading document for all shipments to Burundi. It is also known as BSC. It was determined as a regulation by the Burundi Customs Officials.
Failing to present the ECTN document will lead to severe consequences and a hefty fine.
According to this law, every cargo that has been purchased from abroad and transported for commercial, business, in some cases diplomatic and personal purposes require a Loading Certificate called ECTN – Electronic Cargo Tracking Note.
The shipper or the freight forwarder is responsible for acquiring the ECTN waiver certificate from the authorized representative.
- 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
- According to Burundi Customs regulations, all cargoes to Burundi must be accompanied by an ECTN certificate.
- The ECTN certificate must be validated five days before the vessel arrives at the latest.
- Shipments who arrive without ECTN or with false information on the ECTN gets charged twice the certificate cost plus the regulation charge determined by the Burundi National Port Officials.
FAQs related to Burundi ECTN Certificate
ECTN is another form of a waiver document and it stands for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. You may have heard about Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison (BSC) or Loading Certificate which is exactly the same as the ECTN document.
No, ECTN is unique and reserved only for one shipment. Every shipment must have a validated ECTN number.
No. The Burundian ECTN certificate number does not have to be indicated on the bill of lading.
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.