FAQ

The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is a document required by some West African countries to track shipments by sea and follow their traceability. Link

The Loading Certificate (LC) is a document requested by Angola authorities to track sea shipments. Generally, is also called CNCA or ARCCLA certificate. Country: Angola.

The Bordereau Eletronique de Suivi des Cargaisons (BESC) or Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons (BSC) is a document requested by some sub-Saharan African countries to track sea shipments. Link

The Bordereau d’Identification Électronique de Traçabilité des Cargaisons (BIETC) is a document requested by Gabon authorities to track sea shipments. Generally, is also called BIETC or BIC certificate. Country: Gabon.

It varies from country to country, however, the following documents must always be submitted to begin with:

• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• Commercial Invoice
• Export Invoice (if incoterm is EXW – FOB – FCA)

For more information on a specific country, see the list.

The general rule is that a cargo waiver must be issued for the country of final destination.

However, there are some Ports of Landing (PODs) that require the BESC/ECTN for both the country of landing and the final destination of the cargo.

It varies depending on each country, however, to begin always consider:

• Draft B/L
• Commercial Invoice
• Freight invoice (if incoterm EXW – FOB – FCA)

For more information for a specific country, check the list.

The general rule is that the release must be issued according to the country of final destination. However, there are some Ports of Landing (PODs) that require the BESC/ECTN for both the country of disembarkation and the destination.

The Bill of Lading (or bill of lading) is the document that certifies which is:

• the name and domicile of the person in charge of transport (so-called carrier)
• the name and domicile of the sender (so-called shipper)
• the port of destination and, if named, the consignee of the goods
• the nature, quality and quantity of the goods to be transported, as well as the number of packages and the markings on them

The Bill of Lading usually consists of three originals accompanied by as many non-negotiable copies for internal or administrative use. In addition to certifying the taking over of the goods by the carrier or its agent, the Bill of Lading confers the right to delivery of the goods at the port of destination on the person who proves to be entitled thereto (i.e. the person named in the document as consignee, if the Bill of Lading is nominative).

The Bill of Lading may also be to the bearer or to the order: in the first case the person who presents the second original of the document will be entitled to collect the goods, and in the second case the person who proves to be the legitimate holder of the document on the basis of a continuous series of endorsements.

The Bill of Lading, therefore, constitutes, on the one hand, a negotiable title with which to transfer ownership of the goods and, on the other hand, a title of legitimation with which to collect them at destination.

The Bill of Lading is a document issued by a carrier to confirm receipt of goods for a shipment.

The Ivorian import licence is issued by GUCE – Direction Générale du Commerce Extérieur. This document is mandatory to apply for and obtain a BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons). Country: Ivory Coast.

When goods need to be exported outside the European Union, you need an EX-A document.

An EX-A document is an export document which is required when a shipment, that has been originated in the EU (or has been Customs cleared in the EU), leaves the European territory. So it is about goods which will not be returned to their origin.

Your goods will be not cleared and may incur in additional fines and costs.

International agreements on international transport of goods. The contract stipulates standard agreements that divide the costs and risks between the seller and the buyer.

For african countries who request the ECTN/BESC there is different restriction. For more details please have a look to the country of interest of your shipment.

Import restrictions depend on the country of landing and destination. For more information, please contact us or consult the countries link.

Yes, but not all countries allow post-validation rectification. In addition, for many destinations, corrections are subject to a correction fee.

Get in touch with us for more information.

It depends on the country of destination. For more information, please contact us or consult the countries link.

No, BESC/BSC/ECTN/BIETC/CNCA is unique and limited to a single shipment. Every B/L needs its own ECTN number and hard copy.