What is Togo BESC?
The BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) is the electronic cargo tracking note for sea cargo imported into Togo through the port of Lomé. Togolese customs use it to check the shipper, consignee, cargo, weights and values against the Bill of Lading. Whoever holds the shipping documents can apply for it. Cargo without a valid BESC is not released at Lomé, and demurrage runs until one is presented.
Other names for the Togo BESC
In Togo the certificate is called the BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons). Carriers and importers also call it the CTN (Cargo Tracking Note); both names mean the same certificate. If your importer or carrier uses another name, send it to us with the Bill of Lading and we will tell you which document they mean.
Which ports require the BESC
The BESC is required for cargo discharged at Lomé and imported into Togo. Cargo that transits Lomé to another country, such as Burkina Faso, Niger or Mali, needs the certificate of its final destination; a Togo BESC is optional for it, and we can issue one on request. Tell us the final destination when you send the Bill of Lading.
When to apply: the BESC filing deadline
Togo counts the deadline from pre-validation. A draft Bill of Lading is enough to pre-validate the BESC. The Bill of Lading showing the place and date of issue and the shipped-on-board date must follow within 5 days. If 5 days pass without it, the certificate is deleted from the system.
Who files the BESC
Whoever sends the shipping documents can obtain the BESC: the shipper, the exporter, the freight forwarder or the consignee. The sales terms decide who pays.
How to get a Togo BESC
- ▪Send the Bill of Lading, the commercial invoice and the export customs declaration. A draft Bill of Lading is enough to start. Depending on the Incoterm, we also need the freight amount; under specific conditions, an email stating it is enough.
- ▪With complete documents, we prepare the draft BESC within a few hours.
- ▪You check the draft and confirm it. Corrections at this stage are free.
- ▪We submit the confirmed draft for validation. Validation can take up to a week.
- ▪Within 5 days of pre-validation, send the Bill of Lading showing the place and date of issue and the shipped-on-board date. After 5 days without it, the certificate is deleted from the system.
Validity and amendments
One BESC covers up to 5 containers on the same Bill of Lading, so a Bill of Lading with 12 containers needs three certificates. After pre-validation, the final Bill of Lading must arrive within 5 days or the certificate is deleted. Any amendment after pre-validation is subject to a penalty fee. Corrections to the draft before that step are free.
What happens without a valid BESC
Cargo is not released at Lomé without a valid BESC, and demurrage applies until one is presented. A missing, expired or incorrect BESC leads to shipment delays and increasing penalty fees.
What a Togo BESC costs
The price is fixed per certificate, and one certificate covers up to 5 containers on the same Bill of Lading: 1 to 5 containers take one certificate, 6 to 10 take two. You see the full price before anything is filed. Amendments after pre-validation carry a penalty fee on top.
Togo BESC questions
What is the Togo BESC?
The BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) is the electronic cargo tracking note for sea cargo imported into Togo through Lomé. One certificate covers up to 5 containers on the same Bill of Lading.
Which documents are required to obtain the BESC?
The Bill of Lading, the commercial invoice and the export customs declaration. Depending on the Incoterm we also need the freight amount; under specific conditions, an email stating it is enough. A draft Bill of Lading is enough for the draft certificate; validation needs the final one.
When must the BESC be issued?
A draft Bill of Lading is enough to pre-validate the BESC. The Bill of Lading showing the place and date of issue and the shipped-on-board date must follow within 5 days of pre-validation. After 5 days without it, the certificate is deleted from the system.
Is a Togo BESC needed for cargo in transit?
No. Cargo that transits Lomé to another country needs the certificate of its final destination. A Togo BESC for transit cargo is optional, and we can issue one on request.
What happens if cargo arrives without a valid BESC?
Cargo is not released at Lomé without a valid BESC. Demurrage applies until one is presented, and the shipment faces delays and increasing penalty fees.
Can a BESC be changed after pre-validation?
Yes, for a penalty fee. Any amendment after pre-validation is subject to a penalty fee, so check weights, values and party details against the Bill of Lading before you confirm the draft.