The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is a maritime certificate or waiver that is essential for exports to the majority of African countries. It acts as a vital document for both importers and exporters within Africa, necessitating its presentation to customs officials. Typically, the ECTN must be validated at least 5 days before the vessel's scheduled port arrival. Failure to provide this document, or presenting an incorrect version, could lead to significant fines and prevent cargo from being cleared through customs.
African countries require the ECTN from shippers to ensure effective oversight, supervision, and management of import/export traffic. It facilitates advance knowledge of cargo specifics prior to its arrival at the destination port, thereby enhancing security measures.
Depending on the country, the ECTN may be known by different names, including: BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi de Cargaison) BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) FERI (Fiche Électronique des Renseignements à l'Importation) ACID (Advance Cargo Information Declaration) CNCA (Conselho Nacional de Carregadores)
Description The ECTN provides a comprehensive framework for customs and border officials to exert full control over shipments. This standardized certificate contains detailed information about the exporter, importer, method of shipping, value of goods, name of the vessel, and freight cost.
History The ECTN was introduced to bolster protection for African nations and to create an additional revenue stream. Angola mandated the use of the ECTN in 1994, setting a precedent that over 24 countries, including Egypt (which introduced the ACID in April 2021), have since followed.
Roles and purposes By supplying crucial data on the flow of shipments, the ECTN enables customs officials to better manage port operations. It aids in the efficient allocation of stevedoring personnel and unloading equipment, thereby enhancing cargo handling. Additionally, the ECTN combats the under-declaration of goods, improving both financial security and the accuracy of goods valuation.
Responsibilities It is the responsibility of shippers, their agents, or freight forwarders to obtain the ECTN from authorized entities in the country of origin. Non-compliance attracts penalties. While shippers bear the primary responsibility, importers, shipping lines, and other involved parties also play significant roles. Shipping lines, in particular, are tasked with informing exporters about the ECTN requirement before issuing the Original Bill of Lading.
Possible consequences of non-compliance Failing to adhere to ECTN regulations can obstruct cargo clearance, incur daily demurrage/storage charges, manifest amendment fees, and fines up to five times the value of the goods. In extreme cases, such as a 2017 incident in Gabon where a €40,000 fine was levied, exporters might choose to abandon shipments altogether.
Necessary documents While required documents can vary, they generally include: Bill of Lading Commercial invoice Freight invoice (if not included in the commercial invoice)
Certain countries may also require additional documentation, such as the Documento Único (DU), Certificate of Insurance, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and Customs declaration.
List of countries requiring ECTN The implementation of the ECTN is widespread across numerous African countries, demonstrating its critical role in shipment tracking and control. These countries include: Angola Benin Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Central African Republic Chad D.R. Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Gabon Ghana Guinea Bissau Guinea Conakry Ivory Coast Liberia Libya Madagascar Mali Niger Republic of Congo Senegal Sierra Leone South Sudan Somalia Togo
Technical implementation Except for Angola, which still requires a physical copy, the application process for the ECTN is now completely online across all mandated countries. This digital approach simplifies the application process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
Different names by country The ECTN is known under various denominations depending on the country, illustrating the localized adaptation of this essential trade document. These include: ACID (Advance Cargo Information Declaration) - Egypt BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi de Cargaisonis) - Benin, Cameroon BIETC (Bordereau d'Identification Electronique de Traçabilité des Cargaisons) - Gabon BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaisonis) - Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal CEE (Certificado Electrónico de Embarque) - Guinea Bissau CNCA (Conselho Nacional de Carregadores) - Angola CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) - Ghana, Liberia ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) - Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Conakry, Libya, Republic of Chad, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Togo ENS - Sierra Leone FERI (Fiche Électronique des Renseignements à l'Importation) - Democratic Republic of Congo
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