Certificate Information
Each destination country specifies which certificates it requires. We explain each type clearly — what it is, when it applies, which countries mandate it, and how we help you obtain it before your vessel departs.
Cargo Tracking Note
Required by several West African countries to track cargo from the port of origin to the destination port. The CTN must typically be obtained before the vessel departs the port of loading — it cannot be applied for retroactively. The issuing authority and exact pre-loading deadline vary by destination country.
Electronic Cargo Tracking Note
The electronic version of the CTN, now mandated by an expanding list of African countries for all inbound cargo regardless of mode. Submitted through an online portal to the designated authority before departure. Processing is typically faster than the paper CTN but still requires sufficient lead time before vessel departure.
Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons
Required by certain Francophone African states; tracks cargo electronically from loading port through to final destination. Issued through the designated tracking system and must be obtained prior to shipment departure. The full name translates as "Electronic Cargo Tracking Slip" — functionally equivalent to the ECTN but under a different authority and system.
Get BESC documentation supportPort Authority Certificate
A country-specific cargo tracking certificate required at certain ports. Applicability depends on the destination country and cargo type — we confirm definitively whether it applies to your specific shipment at the time of inquiry. The full name and issuing authority are confirmed per destination country.
Get BIETC documentation supportBordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons
A cargo tracking document required by select West African and island authorities prior to loading. Similar in purpose to the BESC but issued under a different authority and operating system. Country-specific submission requirements apply — we prepare the BSC to the exact specification of the relevant authority for your destination.
Corridor Certificate
Required for cargo entering specific regulated corridors in Central Africa. The FERI authorises cargo transit through designated routes and must be obtained before departure. Applicability is confirmed per shipment and destination — contact us at inquiry stage and we'll advise whether this certificate is required for your cargo and route.
Get FERI documentation supportPort Authority Certificate
Required by certain Southern African ports; authorises cargo handling prior to arrival at the destination port. The CNCA must be obtained before the vessel departs — it cannot be applied for after loading. We prepare and submit the CNCA to the relevant authority and track the request through to confirmation.
Compliance Certificate
A destination-specific compliance certificate; applicability is confirmed per country and cargo type. Requirements for the CEE are tied to the destination authority's current rules and may apply to specific cargo categories. We identify at the time of inquiry whether the CEE is required for your shipment and manage the documentation process if it is.
Important
Certificate requirements for African destinations are set and updated by the relevant authorities — changes can occur without wide public notice. The information on this page is for general guidance only. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your specific shipment at the time of your inquiry, not from a cached or historical list.
Not Sure Which Certificate You Need?
Submit your shipment details and we'll identify exactly which certificates apply — no guesswork, no generalisations.
Sierra Leone
Liberia
Niger
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Togo
Benin
Cameroon
Chad
Gabon
Madagascar
Côte d'Ivoire
DR Congo
Angola