What does CTN stand for?
CTN stands for Cargo Tracking Note.
What is CTN?
The generic name for the cargo tracking certificate that some African destinations require for every sea shipment, issued under each country's own scheme. Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia call it the CTN; the Liberian and Gambian certificates are printed as BESC. The electronic version is the ECTN.
Who regulates CTN?
There is no single CTN issuer: each destination runs its own scheme. Sierra Leone's CTN rests on a Ministry of Finance memorandum, and Liberia's cargo tracking note is implemented by the National Port Authority (NPA).
Which countries require CTN?
These destinations require the CTN certificate: Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Gambia.
Official sources
Sierra Leone CTN sources
The Sierra Leone CTN rests on a Ministry of Finance memorandum (Ref. MF-Rev 62/100/05/11-22) and is enforced through an accredited agency.
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Top 3 causes of Sierra Leone CTN rejection
- CTN number not declared on the Master Bill of Lading.
- Customs value under-declaration detected by validation team.
- Vessel departure date is missing on the Bill of Lading.
Official CTN Document Sample
Verify the layout, stamps, and CTN customs format of a validated Sierra Leone loading certificate:
Official Liberia CTN (BESC) sources
The Liberia cargo tracking note is implemented by the National Port Authority (NPA).
- U.S. International Trade Administration: Liberia import requirements (NPA cargo tracking note system)
- AJOT: carrier notice on the Liberia cargo tracking note taking effect in 2019
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Top 3 causes of Liberia CTN rejection
- CTN number missing on the cargo description of the BL.
- Commercial invoice does not show the FOB value, freight value, and insurance breakdown.
- Mismatch in the number of packages or total weight between the BL and packing list.
Gambia ECTN sources
The Gambia ECTN dates on this page come from a shipping line notice and Gambian press reports of the Ministry of Trade notification.
- Maersk: implementation of CTN for Gambia import and export shipments (15 May 2023)
- The Point: Ministry of Trade notice of 26 February 2026 on the reintroduction of the ECTN
- The Point: statement on the ECTN concession and its scope (9 April 2026)
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Top 3 causes of Gambia CTN rejection
- CTN number missing on the Bill of Lading.
- No separate freight invoice provided for FOB shipments.
- Mismatch in shipper name between export declaration and BL.
Official Document Draft Blueprint
A standard verified CTN contains key cargo parameters that customs systems scan: