What is an Africa Loading Certificate and Why is it Necessary?

Africa Certificates are typically mandatory documents for shipping companies or operators wanting to transport goods to African countries. These certificates ensure the existence and security of international shipments. It is mandatory to obtain these certificates to comply with different regulations that can vary across different models in Africa. The necessity of Africa Certificates can be explained for several reasons. The first is to ensure security standards and prevent damage or loss of the cargo. Additionally, they are necessary to ensure that movement is registered and carried out in accordance with procedures. These certificates are also important for customs procedures and help facilitate the smooth delivery of the cargo.

ECTN / BESC Certificate for Turkey, Middle East, and African Countries

ITRDubai is a major enterprise holding an ECTN/BESC certificate, which operates in the competitive shipping market from Turkey to the Middle East and African countries. This document, known as the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) or Bordereau Electronique de Suivi des Cargaisons (BESC), is an electronic transportation certificate required by some ports and vessel owners housing common cargoes on the African continent. These certificates are required for vessels as well as containers. The necessity of Africa loading certificates lies in ensuring the traceability of the goods being transported. This document acts as a preliminary tracking measure to be presented to customs authorities at the port. It is also crucial for completing the necessary legal processes for international shipping transactions. ECTN/BESC certificates clearly outline who is transporting the goods and via which route. This increases the efficiency of the shipping process while verifying safety standards. Completing these documents accurately helps ensure the smooth processing of the shipment. Additionally, they assist in meeting international trade growth requirements, enhancing the company’s image. Having an ECTN/BESC certificate for exports and imports from Turkey to Africa provides an advantage by ensuring all procedures are carried out flawlessly. The ECTN/BESC certificate is of great importance in Turkey’s commercial activities with the Middle East and African countries.

Types of Africa Loading Certificates

For companies exporting by sea to Africa, obtaining the following electronic documents is mandatory to avoid issues at customs:

1. ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note)
2. BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison)
3. BIETC (Bureau d’Inspection Technique et d’Evaluation)
4. ENS (Electronic Notification System)
5. FERI (Fiche d’Echange Renseignements pour l’Importation)
6. ARCCLA (African Regional Comprehensive Cover of Liabilities for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining)

The required certificate varies depending on the African country to which the export is being made.

Purposes of the Certificate:

• Ensure the monitoring and control of maritime trade to Africa
• Prevent fraud and smuggling at customs
• Improve statistical data for African countries

Required Documents for an Africa Loading Certificate

After the application, you need to submit export-related documents to the agency. These documents include:

• Bill of Lading
• Invoice
• Customs Declaration
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Other necessary documents (which may vary depending on the exporter)

Important Considerations:

• The certificate should be obtained at least 7 days before loading.
• The certificate should contain accurate and complete information. Any errors may render the certificate invalid and cause delays.
• The certificate must be delivered to the importer. The importer should present the certificate during customs procedures.

Which West African Countries Require Loading Certificates?

The West African countries that require an ECTN or BESC certificate include:

• Angola – CNCA Certificate
• Benin – BESC Certificate
• Burkina Faso – ECTN / URN
• Burundi ECTN Certificate
• Chad – BESC Certificate
• Djibouti ECTN Certificate
• Democratic Republic of Congo – FERI Certificate
• Equatorial Guinea ECTN Certificate
• Ivory Coast BSC – Loading Certificate
• Gabon BIETC Certificate
• Gambia CTN Certificate
• Ghana ECTN/SPN Certificate
• Guinea-Bissau ECTN / CEE Certificate
• Guinea Conakry ECTN / ICTN Number
• South Sudan ECTN
• Cameroon – BESC Certificate
• Republic of Congo ECTN Certificate
• Liberia CTN Certificate
• Libya – ECTN Number and Document
• Madagascar BSC – Loading Certificate
• Mali BESC – Loading Certificate
• Egypt ACID
• Niger BSC Certificate
• Nigeria CTN Certificate
• Central African Republic – ECTN
• Senegal – BSC Certificate
• Sierra Leone – ENS Number and BSC
• Somalia – CTN Certificate
• Togo – ECTN Certificate

ITRDUBAI is a company that offers various services for firms exporting by sea to Africa.

Their main services include:

1. Africa Loading Certificates: ITRDUBAI assists in obtaining all necessary Africa Loading Certificates (ECTN, BSC, BESC, CTN, etc.) for exports to Africa.
2. Customs Consultancy: ITRDUBAI provides information and consultancy services on African customs regulations and procedures, ensuring smooth and quick completion of customs processes.
3. Logistics Services: ITRDUBAI also offers sea transport, storage, distribution, and other logistics services to Africa.

For more information about the services offered by ITRDUBAI:

• Contact via email: https://itrdubai.com/contact/
• Call: +971 4 323 2222

You can also receive a free consultancy service to learn how ITRDUBAI can assist you