Congo ECTN

ECTN is a mandatory document for all ports in the Republic of the Congo

We also have many exporters regularly obtaining CTN and ECTN for the Republic of Congo from us. Our exceptional team is ready to support exporters and freight forwarders in the United States of America 24/7. Contact us now for a Free Consultation.

200+ customers per month.

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Kyle Hallner
CTN Operations Manager – Contact Us

1 518 302 6818

kyle.hallner@getctn.com



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    We’ve provided the CTN certificate for over 20 countries to clients worldwide since 2005.

    Our expert team is ready to cover all necessary details in a one-on-one video session, where we’ll share the required documents and guide you through the process.

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    What is ECTN?

    ECTN is a mandatory loading document for all shipments to the Republic of the Congo. It is also known as BSC. It is required for Djeno, N’kossa Terminal, Pointe Noire, Yombo or any other port.

    It was determined as a regulation in 2008 by the Republic of the Congo Customs Officials. Failing to present the ECTN document will lead to severe consequences and a hefty fine.

    Procedure

    According to this law, every cargo 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.

    Requirements
    • Bill of Lading: A draft copy can be used for the draft.
    • Commercial Invoice – Incoterm and the values have to match with TI document
    • Freight Invoice: It is necessary if the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
    • GUOT Document – Values must be the same as the commercial and freight invoices.
    Sample Republic of Congo ECTN / URN Number
    A Sample Republic of Congo ECTN Certificate
    Regulations

    According to Republic of the Congo Customs regulations, all cargo to the Republic of the Congo must be accompanied by an ECTN certificate.

    The ECTN must be validated before the 5th day after the departure at the latest. The certificate cost will be 50% higher if the certificate is not validated by the given period.

    Shipments that arrive without ECTN or with false information on the ECTN get a fine equivalent to the value of the certificate plus the regulation charge determined by the Republic of the Congo National Port Officials.

    FAQs related to the Republic of Congo ECTN Certificate

    What’s the difference between TI and URN numbers?

    TI is a part of the GUOT document, which acts as an Import declaration in the Republic of Congo. The TI is required as a supporting document to apply for ECTN.

    URN number is a reference number of the Rep. of Congo ECTN certificate. It can be found on the validated ECTN certificate.

    Can I apply for the Republic of the Congo ECTN after the container load is on Board?

    Yes, you can apply for the Republic of Congo ECTN certificate after the departure. However, please note that authorities imposed a penalty on top of certificate charges if the certificate is not validated within 5 days of the onboard date. The fine is 50% of the original certificate cost.

    Are the procedures different between Rep. Congo and Dem. Rep. of Congo?

    Yes, they are two different countries, and their system is different.

    Where is the URN number on the Congo ECTN certificate?

    The URN number on the ECTN Congo certificate is provided as ‘Visum Reference No’. The URN usually consist of a mixture of numbers and letters and begins with an exporter country code. The position of this number on Congo ECTN is in the top-right corner.

    Republic of the Congo ECTN Sample

    What are DI and TI documents in GUOT? Which one is needed for ECTN?

    There are two GUOT documents DI (Douane d’importation) and TI (Transport d’importation). The Importer in Rep Congo has to issue both certificates.

    For the ECTN certificate, Only TI (Transport d’importation) has to be declared by the applicant.

    Goods value and freight value has to be the same on GUOT document and the invoice.

    Can I use the same ECTN number for various shipments?

    No, ECTN is unique and reserved only for one shipment. Every shipment must have a validated ECTN number.

    Is it mandatory to mention the Republic of Chad ECTN number on the Bill of Lading?

    No. The Equatorial Guinea ECTN certificate number is not required to show on the Bill of Lading.

    Do I need to get ECTN if my shipment is in transit from Cameroon to Chad?

    A shipment going to Chad as a final destination in transit through Cameroon only needs to be accompanied by an ECTN certificate for Chad.

    Do I have to get an ECTN certificate to export household effects into the Republic of Congo?

    Yes, all shipments including personal effects, NGO shipments, and Diplomat household goods must obtain an ECTN certificate.

    Can I apply for ECTN after the container load is on Board?

    Yes, you can apply for the Republic of Congo ECTN certificate after the departure. However, please note that authorities imposed a penalty on top of certificate charges if the certificate is not validated within 5 days of the on-board date. The fine is 50% of the original certificate cost.

    The value on Commercial Invoice and TI document do not match. Can I apply for an ECTN certificate?

    No. The values and Incoterm on CI and TI documents must match for the ECTN certificate to be validated. You may prefer to change the Invoice according to the TI document. Because Amending TI is much more cumbersome.

    General FAQs

    What is GetCTN?

    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.

    How do you ship the hard copy of the certificate?

    The hard copy of the certificate isn’t necessary at all. Instead, the whole process is completed online.

    What is a Bill of Lading

    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.

    What is Commercial Invoice?

    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.