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Comprehensive Guide

Gabon BIETC Certificate — The Complete Guide

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The BIETC (Bordereau d'Identification Électronique des Transports et des Cargaisons) is Gabon's mandatory Electronic Cargo Tracking Note for all sea-freight imports through Libreville (Owendo) and Port-Gentil. This guide covers who files it, the documents you need, the exact steps, timing and the latest rules — so your cargo clears without fines or demurrage.

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Overview

The BIETC (Bordereau d'Identification Électronique des Transports et des Cargaisons) is Gabon's mandatory Electronic Cargo Tracking Note for all sea-freight imports through Libreville (Owendo) and Port-Gentil. It is issued under the authority of the Conseil Gabonais des Chargeurs (CGC) and must be validated before the vessel arrives, allowing customs to verify the shipper, consignee, cargo and freight values against the Bill of Lading. A missing or invalid BIETC leads to customs clearance delays, storage and demurrage charges, and regulatory fines at the destination port. Obtaining a validated BIETC before departure keeps clearance at Owendo fast and penalty-free.

Discharge ports

LibrevillePort Gentil

Required documents

Bill of Lading
Draft or final; weights, seals and discharge port must match the cargo.
Commercial Invoice
HS codes and declared values as shipped.
Customs Declaration
Destination customs entry (e.g. BOE / CE20).

Application process

  1. 1
    The shipper or freight forwarder applies for the BIETC before the vessel departs the load port.
  2. 2
    Prepare the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice and the Customs Declaration for validation.
  3. 3
    Our compliance desk cross-checks the cargo and freight values against Conseil Gabonais des Chargeurs (CGC) requirements.
  4. 4
    The BIETC number is issued and must accompany the shipment for customs clearance at Libreville (Owendo) or Port-Gentil.
  5. 5
    File before departure — validating after loading raises fees and risks penalties on arrival in Gabon.

Timeline

StepDuration
Submit documentsYour action
Draft & invoice2–4 business hours
Approve draftYour action
PaymentYour action
Final validation2–4 business hours

Frequently asked questions

The BIETC (Bordereau d'Identification Électronique des Transports et des Cargaisons) is Gabon's compulsory Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, issued under the Conseil Gabonais des Chargeurs, for shipments to Libreville (Owendo) and Port-Gentil.

Yes. BIETC is Gabon's national name for the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. It performs the same function as the ECTN and BESC used by other African countries.

The core documents are the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice and Customs Declaration. Our desk confirms any additional details required for your shipment.

Before the vessel departs the port of loading. Validating after departure increases the fee and can trigger penalties at the Gabonese port.

Shipments without a validated BIETC face customs clearance delays, storage and demurrage charges, and regulatory fines at Owendo or Port-Gentil until a valid certificate is presented.

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