ACI for Africa: Simplifying Trade

PCA NewslettersDecember 13, 2023

A certificate of registered Advanced Cargo Information (ACI), also known as an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BESC in French), is one of the mandatory documents needed for exporting/importing goods to and from several countries in Africa.

Providing verified details of consignments is vital for fuss-free trade. SGS’s ACI services help businesses speed up the process while ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.

An ACI certificate provides the authorities of the importing country with information about the cargo, its origin and destination. It also provides details about the shipper and consignee well ahead of the shipment reaching the destination country.

This scheme allows government agencies to:

Conduct pre-arrival risk assessments
Anticipate and expedite clearance procedures
Compile statistics on cross-border movements

It is the responsibility of the exporter or freight forwarder in the country of origin to register ACI, and the certificate must be issued immediately after goods are loaded in the country of shipment – before the goods arrive in the importing country.

While ACI is not exclusive to a single country, it is a mandatory requirement for 27 African nations. However, the procedures, processes and systems vary between countries. This means registration can be cumbersome, time-consuming and challenging, even for seasoned exporters. Ensuring compliance with specific regulations across different countries can be a complex task, with the risk that crucial details are overlooked, leading to possible delays in the goods arriving at market.

SGS offers a solution to ease the burden on exporters and facilitates compliance in the ACI process. By registering ACI on behalf of exporters or freight forwarders, SGS manages and simplifies the process and ensures a smoother trade experience.

Which countries require product conformity assessment (PCA) and ACI certificates?

Burundi
Cameroon
Gabon (only for exports from China)
Ivory Coast
Central African Republic
The Republic of South Sudan

A confirmation document must be presented in the importing country to streamline and facilitate the customs clearance process.

Can SGS support ACI registration for other countries?

With a wide network of global offices, SGS offers services that streamline trade interactions across borders. Our solutions enable trade parties and authorities to cut costs on paperwork and save precious time, while ensuring full compliance with local requirements. Reach out to us today for more information, clarification and solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Learn more about Advanced Cargo Information (ACI).

This article can also be found in our PCA Newsletter (Q4/2023) – which keeps you up to date with developments in technical barriers to trade and product conformity assessment.