What is a Waiver Certificate?
As an exporter or freight forwarder, you must provide a waiver certificate – also known as a loading certificate or loading document – when shipping goods to certain African countries. This document compiles data from the bill of lading, invoice, and export declaration, then submits it to relevant government databases.
The waiver certificate contains information about involved parties, cargo value and description, shipping details, and other relevant information. It enables Customs Authorities to efficiently observe, control, and manage import traffic.
What is an ECTN?
ECTN stands for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, known in French as BESC (Bordereau électronique de Suivi de Cargaison).
The waiver certificate is mandatory for shipping to many African countries, particularly in West Africa, and some North and Central African countries. It is known by several names, including:
Which Countries Require ECTN?
Thirty African destinations require a cargo tracking certificate. In alphabetical order:
- Angola (CNCA), Benin (BESC), Burkina Faso (ECTN), Burundi (ECTN), Cameroon (BESC)
- Central African Republic (ECTN), Chad (BESC), Djibouti (ECTN), DR Congo (FERI), Egypt (ACID)
- Equatorial Guinea (ECTN), Gabon (BIETC), Gambia (CTN), Ghana (CTN), Guinea Bissau (CEE)
- Guinea Conakry (ECTN), Ivory Coast (BSC), Kenya (ACD), Liberia (CTN), Madagascar (BSC)
- Mali (BESC), Niger (BESC), Republic of Congo (ECTN), Senegal (BESC), Sierra Leone (CTN)
- Somalia (CTN), South Sudan (ECTN), Sudan (ACD), Togo (ECTN), Yemen (ACD)
How do you obtain a waiver certificate?
At GetCTN, obtaining a waiver certificate is designed as a hassle-free experience. Send necessary documents in PDF format via email, and their team handles the rest.
Typically required documents include:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
Specific documents may vary depending on the destination country. Contact GetCTN for questions about the process, required documents, or fees.
Important Note
Whether shipping by sea, air, or road – and regardless of shipment type (bulk, breakbulk, Ro/Ro, container, groupage, general cargo, or diplomatic cargo) – you must obtain a waiver certificate. Failing to present the loading document results in severe consequences and hefty fines.