Several African countries require an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate for all shipments arriving at their ports. Countries that currently mandate the ECTN include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Togo. Understanding each country’s requirements and the correct ECTN application process is essential to ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid penalties or delays.

Why ECTN Is Important for African Trade

African ports use the ECTN system to track cargo before arrival. This ensures better security, accurate customs declarations, and helps governments collect trade statistics. For importers and exporters, obtaining the right ECTN isn’t just a formality — it’s a legal requirement. Without it, shipments can be heavily fined, delayed, or even refused entry.

Let’s break down the ECTN requirements by country and how to apply for each, in clear and practical terms.

1. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The DRC enforces a strict ECTN policy for all shipments. Every Bill of Lading must be accompanied by an ECTN certificate, which is verified upon arrival.

How to apply:
Applicants need a commercial invoice, freight invoice, Bill of Lading, and cargo details. After uploading these documents online, a draft is issued. Once approved, the validated ECTN is sent via email.

2. Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)

Often confused with DRC, the Republic of Congo also requires an ECTN. It applies to both import and transit cargo.

Process:
Submit your freight documents and cargo information. Once verified, you’ll receive the approved ECTN within a few working days.

3. Guinea

ECTN Guinea requirements apply to every cargo destined for Conakry or transiting through its ports. Authorities use it to pre-screen shipments and reduce congestion.

Application steps:
Upload your Bill of Lading, invoices, and container details. Ensure all documents match — any discrepancy can delay validation. The average processing time is 1–3 business days.

4. Burundi

Though landlocked, Burundi uses regional ports for its imports and still mandates the use of ECTN Burundi to monitor shipments en route.

How to apply:
Freight forwarders or importers must submit shipping documents and declare final inland delivery points. The certificate is then validated and sent to the origin port agent for reference.

5. Djibouti

Strategically located, ECTN Djibouti is mandatory for goods entering via the Port of Djibouti, which also handles transit cargo to Ethiopia.

Steps:
Once you gather your shipment documents, upload them to the designated platform. Processing is typically fast, especially for standard containerized cargo.

6. South Sudan

Despite being landlocked, ECTN South Sudan is necessary for cargo heading to Juba and other areas via Kenyan or Ugandan ports.

Procedure:
You’ll need to declare the port of entry (e.g., Mombasa) and the final destination in South Sudan. Validation is completed before the cargo reaches the first transit port.

7. Angola

Angola requires a CNCA certificate, which is their specific type of ECTN. It applies to all shipments arriving at Luanda and secondary ports.

How to apply:
A CNCA number must appear on the Bill of Lading before departure. Therefore, apply early — missing it can cause port rejection.

8. Ghana

Ghana refers to the system as CTN (Cargo Tracking Note), but it follows the same protocol as ECTN.

Process:
Importers register shipments on the Ghana Revenue Authority’s portal. Expect to submit invoices, packing lists, and freight details for approval.

9. Senegal

Senegal mandates CTN for shipments entering Dakar and other ports. It helps the customs department assess cargo risk in advance.

How to apply:
Use the CTN provider authorized by Senegalese authorities. Upload standard documents and ensure accurate cargo weights and descriptions.

10. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)

Ivory Coast operates under the BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) system, which is essentially an ECTN.

Steps:
You’ll need to declare the cargo type, consignee, and transport mode. BSC numbers must be validated before departure from the origin port.

11. Cameroon

Cameroon’s ECTN system supports all port entries, particularly Douala. It includes both maritime and land-locked transshipment cargo.

Key documents:
Submit your Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and freight invoice. Be precise with HS codes and cargo dimensions to avoid delays.

12. Sierra Leone

Every shipment entering Sierra Leone requires an ECTN to facilitate customs tracking and reduce fraud.

Application:
Same standard procedure — register, upload documents, and wait for validation before cargo departs from the shipping port.

13. Equatorial Guinea

The ECTN system is essential for controlling entry into Malabo and Bata ports. Incorrect or missing certificates can lead to heavy demurrage.

Pro tip:
Always double-check the ECTN number with port agents before sailing. Updates to local regulations can affect processing.

14. Benin

Benin enforces CTN requirements through the Port of Cotonou. It applies even if the cargo is transiting to Niger or Burkina Faso.

Application:
Register via an authorized agent. Freight and commercial details must be correct, especially container count and dimensions.

15. Togo

Togo’s port in Lomé uses the ECTN system for pre-clearance and inventory management.

Important:
Make sure your CTN number appears on the Bill of Lading, or the port authority may hold the cargo.

16. Mali, Chad, Niger (Transit Cargo)

Though these countries are landlocked, they enforce ECTN rules for transit cargo through neighboring ports like Dakar or Lomé.

Tip:
When applying, include both port of discharge and inland final destination for compliance.

How the ECTN Application Works (Recap)

Although each country has slightly different regulations, the general ECTN application process involves the following steps:

1. Prepare your documents:

• Commercial invoice
• Freight invoice
• Bill of Lading (draft or final)
• Export declaration (if required)

1. Submit to the correct platform or authorized agent.
2. Get a draft ECTN for verification.
3. Once approved, receive the validated ECTN certificate.
4. Ensure the certificate or reference number is included in your shipping documents.

Missing or inaccurate details can lead to rejections, delays, and fines. It’s critical to follow country-specific guidelines and apply before the cargo departs.

Expert Insights: Why ECTN Is More Than Just Paperwork

Industry experts argue that ECTN helps reduce cargo loss, increases port efficiency, and minimizes smuggling. A 2023 report by the African Development Bank noted that digitized cargo tracking (like ECTN) reduced port clearance times by 15% in ports like Lomé and Conakry.

Freight forwarders also benefit. According to Global Freight News, agents handling high volumes of Africa-bound shipments prefer ECTN systems because it helps flag compliance risks earlier in the chain, leading to smoother customs operations.

FAQs About ECTN Requirements

Q1: Is ECTN the same for every country?
No. While the concept is similar, each country has its own rules, authorized agents, and document requirements.

Q2: Can I get an ECTN after cargo departure?
In most cases, no. ECTN must be validated before the cargo leaves the port of origin. Late applications can result in penalties.

Q3: Is ECTN required for air freight?
Generally, no — ECTN is specific to sea freight. But some landlocked countries require it for transit even when air is part of the route.

Q4: Who is responsible for obtaining the ECTN?
Typically, the exporter or freight forwarder. However, importers should verify that the certificate is in place to avoid issues at destination.

Final Thoughts: Making ECTN Work for You

Navigating ECTN requirements across Africa may seem complex, but once you understand each country’s process, it becomes manageable. Always apply early, double-check your data, and use a trusted agent or platform to avoid mistakes.

Whether you’re exporting machinery to Djibouti, food products to Guinea, or bulk cargo to South Sudan, ensuring your ECTN is correctly processed saves you time, money, and stress.

In the ever-growing African logistics market, staying ahead means knowing not just where you’re shipping — but how you’re doing it, the right way.