Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our most commonly asked questions and their answers in our FAQ section, where you’ll find clear and concise information about Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) certificates.
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ECTN, short for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, is a mandatory document for shipping goods to certain African countries. In French-speaking regions, it is often referred to as BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons). This certificate is used to track and regulate cargo entering the destination country.
Usually issued by the shipping agent or an authorized representative approved by the relevant national authorities, the ECTN includes critical shipment information such as the shipper, consignee, vessel, container, and cargo details. It must be obtained before the goods are shipped.
The primary role of the ECTN is to give customs authorities early access to cargo information, allowing for better monitoring of imports, compliance with national regulations, and prevention of illegal activities like smuggling or under-invoicing. It also aids in determining the applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees for the shipment.
According to procedure, all shipments that will be unloaded in Port of Berbera must have a ECTN certificate. Please contact us for more information.
- Bill of lading
- Commercial invoice
- Freight invoice
To ship goods to the Port of Berbera, an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) must be secured before the cargo reaches the destination port.
It is recommended to obtain the ECTN at least five days prior to the vessel’s departure to allow sufficient time for processing and addressing any possible corrections. Doing so ensures compliance with Somaliland’s cargo tracking regulations and helps prevent delays or issues during customs clearance.
Yes, a draft Bill of Lading is accepted for the initial ECTN application. However, the final Bill of Lading must include the ECTN number.
As the authorized agency, we can issue the ECTN number on the same day of application. In some cases, approval may take up to five business days.
Yes, all import shipments to the Port of Berbera must have the ECTN reference number listed on the Bill of Lading.
Shippers, exporters, or freight forwarders must obtain the ECTN at the port of loading.
Cancellation is possible if the certificate hasn’t been validated. Once validated, refunds are no longer allowed.
Lack of an ECTN can lead to customs delays, additional inspections, refusal of discharge, or legal penalties at the destination port.
No, each shipment requires its own ECTN certificate. They are issued for single-use only.