If you’re exporting goods to West and Central Africa in 2025, you’ll need to stay updated on recent CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) rule changes — especially in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and neighboring countries. Failure to comply could lead to costly delays, penalties, or cargo rejections.

This article explains what’s changed, why it matters, and what practical steps exporters should take right now to stay compliant and avoid disruptions.

What Is a CTN and Why Is It Required?

A Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) — also known as a BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) in some countries — is a mandatory document required by several African nations to track all shipments entering their ports. This system improves cargo visibility, customs control, and port operations.

While CTNs have existed for years, rule changes in 2025 across various African nations have tightened enforcement and updated submission procedures. Countries like Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and others are leading the charge with revised timelines, digital processes, and stricter penalties for non-compliance.

Why 2025 Is a Turning Point for CTN Regulations

Several West and Central African countries are adopting stricter import regulations in 2025. Their customs authorities aim to:

• Streamline port operations
• Improve revenue collection
• Enhance supply chain transparency
• Strengthen compliance against under-invoicing and smuggling

These goals are reshaping how exporters and freight forwarders interact with CTN requirements.

Key CTN Rule Changes by Country

Let’s explore the most important changes that exporters need to be aware of — starting with Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire.

1. Guinea: Stricter Pre-Shipment Compliance

The ECTN Guinea regulation now requires exporters to submit and validate the CTN before loading at the port of origin — no exceptions.

Key updates for 2025:

• CTN must be issued and validated prior to vessel departure
• Late submissions will result in heavy fines or refused unloading
• Consignee details must now match the Bill of Lading precisely
• Manual or paper submissions are no longer accepted

Why it matters: Shippers must coordinate with their agents much earlier than before. Delays in CTN issuance could delay your entire shipment.

2. Côte d’Ivoire: Digitization and Stricter Documentation

Côte d’Ivoire continues to modernize its trade infrastructure. The BSC (their version of CTN) has moved to a fully digitized submission platform in 2025.

Key updates:

• Exporters must upload supporting documents (commercial invoice, freight invoice, BL) via the new platform
• CTNs are now automatically cross-verified with customs data
• CTN reference must be clearly stated on all shipping documents

Consequences of non-compliance:

• Cargo may be held or delayed at Abidjan port
• Extra inspection or demurrage fees may apply
• Repeat non-compliance can result in blacklisting

Practical tip: Exporters should plan for extra time to register and learn the new portal before actual cargo movement.

3. Other Countries Following Suit

Several other African countries are tightening CTN enforcement or rolling out new systems in 2025.

➤ South Sudan

The ECTN South Sudan system is now mandatory for all shipments arriving via Mombasa or Port Sudan.

• CTNs must include detailed consignee tax information
• Post-arrival validation is no longer permitted

➤ Burundi

ECTN Burundi rules now align with regional standards.

• Validation must happen before loading
• Shippers must confirm the exact HS code and port of discharge
• Discrepancies result in cargo rejection at Bujumbura

➤ Djibouti

ECTN Djibouti guidelines have been updated for 2025 to include inland transit cargo to Ethiopia.

• Exporters must declare both Djibouti and Ethiopian consignee details
• Port authorities have begun auditing shipments more frequently

How These Changes Affect Exporters and Freight Forwarders

These updated CTN rules are not just bureaucratic changes — they have real-world implications for daily operations, especially for:

• Exporters: You must account for additional time, documentation, and validation before dispatch.
• Freight Forwarders: Coordination and timely submission are crucial to avoid costly errors.
• Shippers: Any mismatch in submitted data could delay the cargo or result in penalties.

The increased automation of CTN systems also means authorities are more likely to detect errors instantly — so double-checking submissions has become essential.

Common Mistakes Exporters Should Avoid

If you’re working with CTNs in 2025, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

❌ Submitting incomplete documentation

Always ensure your commercial invoice, freight invoice, and Bill of Lading are final and consistent.

❌ Waiting until the last minute

With earlier validation deadlines, leaving things to the last minute is risky — especially with time zone differences and system downtimes.

❌ Assuming rules are uniform across countries

Each country has slightly different CTN requirements. Treat each shipment individually and stay updated with the destination country’s latest regulations.

Case Study: An Exporter’s Costly Delay in Guinea

In early 2025, a food commodities exporter in Rotterdam failed to validate their ECTN before vessel departure to Conakry. Although the documents were ready, a clerical error in the consignee address caused a delay in validation.

Result:

• The container was held at port for 8 days
• Demurrage charges amounted to over €4,000
• Future shipments from that exporter were flagged for extra inspection

This incident illustrates how even small errors or delays in CTN validation can result in serious financial and operational consequences.

FAQs: Answering Key Questions About 2025 CTN Rules

❓ What is the deadline for submitting a CTN?

In most countries (including Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire), the CTN must be validated before the vessel leaves the port of loading.

❓ Can I update my CTN after the ship departs?

Generally no. In 2025, post-departure changes or validations are increasingly not accepted and may invalidate the shipment’s compliance.

❓ Are CTN systems connected across countries?

No, each country operates its own CTN system. While the overall structure may look similar, each destination has its own platform and rules.

❓ Do all shipments to Africa require a CTN?

Not all. But many countries in West, Central, and East Africa require CTNs. Always verify the latest rules before shipping.

For more information on CTNs and how to apply, refer to this detailed guide on cargo tracking note procedures.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of CTN Changes in 2025

The 2025 CTN rule changes in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and neighboring countries are reshaping export compliance. While the updates bring more clarity and security to trade, they also demand greater accuracy, coordination, and early preparation from exporters.

If you ship regularly to African ports, staying informed, planning ahead, and double-checking your submissions will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Source : https://medium.com/@seanuticmarine001/2025-ctn-rule-changes-in-guinea-c%C3%B4te-divoire-and-beyond-what-exporters-must-know-11709a17f211