What is ECTN? (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note)

What is ECTN?

An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a per-shipment certificate that about thirty African and Middle-East destinations require for sea cargo. It declares the shipment to the destination's customs before arrival, and its number is printed on the Bill of Lading. Each country issues it under its own name — BESC, BSC, CTN, FERI and others.

The ECTN Certificate, or Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, is a mandatory document for shipping goods to several African countries. It contains detailed information about the shipment, enabling customs clearance with a unique tracking number.

This certificate serves as a key tool for monitoring and managing cargo movement. It provides authorities with quick access to details about cargo contents, value, and destination—helping prevent illegal activities including fraud, value under-reporting, and smuggling. It also ensures accurate record-keeping and proper tax collection.

How do you get an ECTN certificate?

7 Easy Steps to Get the ECTN:

1. Gather Documents — Commercial invoice, bill of lading, freight invoice
2. Choose Agent — Select an authorized agent
3. Submit Documents — Provide documents to the agent
4. Verification — Agent verifies cargo details
5. Pay Fees — Remit necessary fees
6. Certificate Issuance — Receive the ECTN with unique number
7. Attach to Shipment — Secure ECTN with shipment documentation

Always check for country-specific requirements that may vary.

Which countries require an ECTN?

The document is not called "ECTN" everywhere. Each destination runs its own scheme under its own name — BESC in much of Francophone West Africa, ARCCLA in Angola, FERI in DR Congo, BIETC in Gabon, ACID in Egypt, ACD in Sudan, Kenya and Yemen. The requirement is the same in substance: the cargo has to be declared electronically before the deadline the destination sets — some require it before the vessel departs, others before it arrives — and the certificate number has to travel with the shipping documents.

Below is every destination we currently cover, with the name the certificate goes by there. Rules and fees change, so each entry links to the page where we keep the current procedure, required documents and discharge ports for that country.

If your destination is not on this list, it may still operate a cargo tracking scheme under a different name — ask us before booking.

What Does the ECTN Certificate Look Like?

ECTN design, layout, language, and details are unique to each country. An BESC from the Central African Republic differs noticeably from one issued by Togo.

What happens without an ECTN certificate?

Without an ECTN, serious problems arise:

• Shipments may be prevented from leaving the port of origin
• Cargo can be held at the destination port with costly storage fees
• Heavy fines may be imposed for non-compliance
• Cargo could be confiscated or returned to origin
• Significant financial losses and reputational damage to your business

Who Will Issue the ECTN?

The ECTN is issued by agencies authorized by the destination country. These agencies:

• Are officially recognized with authority to issue ECTNs
• Possess high-level expertise in international shipping regulations
• Understand country-specific requirements
• Provide guidance throughout the application process

GetCTN serves as an authorized agency specializing in ECTN issuance, ensuring seamless and compliant shipping processes.