What countries require ECTN for shipments?

Exploring Global ECTN Mandates: Navigating Shipping Regulations

Introduction

For businesses engaged in international trade, understanding specific shipping documentation such as the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is crucial. Required by numerous countries to monitor and control incoming shipments, the ECTN helps mitigate risks such as fraud and smuggling while ensuring compliance with local customs regulations. This article provides a detailed overview of the countries that mandate an ECTN for cargo shipments, highlighting the importance of this requirement in global logistics.

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What is an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN)?

The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), also known as Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison (BSC) in some regions, is a prerequisite document for all goods imported into certain countries. It facilitates the real-time tracking of cargo from the port of origin to its destination, providing customs authorities with detailed insights into the nature, origin, and intended distribution of shipments.

Countries That Require an ECTN

An ECTN is required for shipments to the following countries:

1. Angola (CNCA) — Angola mandates the use of CNCA (Conselho Nacional de Carregadores) certificates, which serve as the ECTN for all shipments entering the country.
2. Benin (BESC) — Benin requires a Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) for all cargo imports. This document is crucial for tracking shipments and ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
3. Burkina Faso (ECTN)— Burkina Faso mandates the use of the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) for all imports. This helps in monitoring cargo movement and facilitates smoother customs clearance.
4. Burundi (ECTN) — Burundi requires an ECTN for all cargo shipments as part of its regulations to enhance cargo tracking and security.
5. Cameroon (BESC) — In Cameroon, the Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons (BESC) is essential for every consignment shipped to the country.
6. Central African Republic (ECTN) — All shipments to the Central African Republic must have a valid ECTN.
7. Chad (BESC) — Chad’s government requires an BESC for all imports to ensure proper cargo tracking and valuation.
8. Democratic Republic of Congo (F.E.R.I) — The Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l’Importation (FERI) is the DRC’s version of the ECTN.
9. Djibouti (CTN)— Djibouti requires a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) for all incoming shipments to enhance security and manage cargo effectively.
10. Egypt (ACID) — Egypt implements an Advanced Cargo Information system for certain categories of imported goods to ensure effective monitoring and security.
11. Equatorial Guinea (ECTN)— In Equatorial Guinea, an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is compulsory for all imports to aid in cargo tracking and improve customs procedures.
12. Gabon (BIETC)— Gabon enforces the use of BIETC for every cargo consignment entering the country, ensuring better control and tracking.
13. Guinea-Bissau (ECTN/CEE)— Guinea-Bissau requires a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) for all imports to monitor cargo effectively and secure customs processes.
14. Guinea Conakry (ECTN) — Guinea mandates an ECTN for all incoming shipments.
15. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) (BSC) — The Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) is compulsory for all imports to Côte d’Ivoire.
16. Republic of Congo (ECTN/URN) — The Republic of Congo demands an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note for all imports to ensure proper tracking and security of cargo.
17. Liberia (CTN) — Liberia requires a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) for all incoming shipments.
18. Madagascar (BSC) — Madagascar utilizes The Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) certificate for all imports to bolster cargo security and streamline customs clearance.
19. Mali (BESC)— Mali mandates the use of Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison for all imported goods to enhance tracking and security of cargo shipments.
20. Niger (BSC)— Niger requires a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) for all cargo imports to facilitate effective monitoring and management of shipments.
21. Senegal (BSC) — Senegal uses the BSC system to monitor all imported cargo.
22. Sierra Leone (ENS)— Sierra Leone uses a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) for all incoming shipments, crucial for cargo security and customs efficiency.
23. Somalia (CTN) — Somalia requires a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) for all incoming shipments to aid in cargo tracking and enhance security measures.
24. South Sudan (ECTN)— South Sudan mandates the use of Cargo Tracking Notes (CTN) for all imports to monitor cargo and improve security protocols.
25. Togo (ECTN)— Togo enforces the use of ECTN for every cargo consignment entering the country, ensuring effective tracking and management.

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Purpose of ECTN Requirements

The ECTN serves multiple functions in international trade:

• Enhancing Transparency: It provides a detailed record of the cargo, including its value and transportation details, helping to prevent customs evasion.
• Improving Security: Monitoring shipments from start to finish reduces the risk of smuggling and theft.
• Facilitating Customs Clearance: With pre-arrival information, customs authorities can process shipments faster, reducing delays.

How to Obtain an ECTN

To comply with ECTN requirements, shippers must:

• Register with an authorized issuing agency as SCK Representation.
• Submit required documents such as the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list.
• Pay the relevant fees to obtain the ECTN before the shipment departs.

Conclusion

Understanding and adhering to ECTN requirements is vital for businesses involved in international shipping to the aforementioned countries. Ensuring compliance not only facilitates smoother customs processing but also enhances cargo security and regulatory adherence. Keeping abreast of any changes in ECTN regulations is crucial as policies may evolve.

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