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FAQs
FAQ's
What is ECTN?
Electronic Cargo Tracking Note or ECTN is a loading certificate which is mandatory for many West African Countries., it is also known as BSC, BESC, FERI, ENS, CNCA (CNC, ARC), BIETC, ECTN and CEE. They are all the same certificates with different names. Every country has its own regulations and requirements for this certificate. For some countries it is required even before your shipment is loaded into the vessel, and for some, it is required 5 days after the departure, at the latest.
What is the difference between ECTN, BSC and CNCA?
BSC is the French translation of ECTN, some other countries have different names for this certificate. Angola’s CNCA or Sierra Leone’s ENS. They are all the same document with different names.
Why do countries use it?
The ECTN certificate is used for the tracking of the cargoes. Its purpose is to give the authorities information about what is coming to their ports. That allows them to prevent the smuggling of illegal items into their country, and it gives them the required data of exports and imports.
Why do I need it?
It is a mandatory certificate by law. If certificate is not obtained, cargo cannot be released to consignee at destination. Many West African countries has regulations dedicated to this subject.
When do I have to get it?
Every country has its regulations for the time. For some countries, it is necessary before you even load your cargo into the vessel. But for some, it is required five days before the ship arrives at the latest.
What are the required documents?
The required documents differ from country to country. Majorly it is Invoice, Packing List and BL Draft.
What happens if I don’t have it?
Every country has a different approach towards penalties. But in general, a charge twice the cost of the certificate plus the regulation charges determined by the Port Officials will be applicable. In some countries, your cargo won’t have an entry clearance; and will be sent back to the origin. These costs can go up to 100% of the value of the goods.
Do I need two separate certificates if it’s a transit shipment?
Depends on the country, it may vary from country to country. For example, Benin requires a certificate regardless of transhipment or delivery. But some of them require a certificate only if it’s your shipment’s final destination.
What is the pricing?
Certificate cost depends on the number of Bill of Ladings and the containers, the country of origin, the port of discharge, etc.
How much time it will take to process ECTN certificate?
It again depends on the country, some countries like Benin processing time is less than 72 hours. It can even go up to 10 days for countries like Angola.
Can the certificate be procured before final BL?
Yes, based on the draft BL certificate can be filed. Only after final BL final certificate can be issued.
Can consignees file ECTN directly?
Yes, however the process of filing from origin is generally faster and cheaper.