BESC Notice Benin
Attention all exporters, importers, carriers, consignees, freight forwarders, and cargo handlers: The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) has become compulsory for all types of seaborne cargo at the Port of Cotonou.
Announcement By the National Shippers Council Of Benin (CNCB)
Although Electronic Cargo Tracking Note requirements were established via decree N°030/MIT/DC/SGM/CTJ/SA/034SGG18 (June 26, 2018), many stakeholders have neglected this requirement. Despite numerous notifications from the National Shippers' Council of Benin, shippers continue unloading goods without proper ECTN documentation, creating complications in stevedoring and port management, along with substantial penalties for all parties involved.
Why the BESC Circular was disclosed now?
As a global ECTN provider representing exporters and freight forwarders, we inform you of the latest requirements.
Effective September 1st, 2019, the Director General of the National Shippers' Council of Benin issued these directives:
- Shippers or their forwarders must create an ECTN at the port of loading, with the unique number mentioned on the bill of lading
- Except for floating cargo, all cargo arriving without an ECTN will be denied clearing until the importer obtains a validated ECTN number
You must obtain a validated ECTN to clear cargo through Benin.