A Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) is a mandatory document required by certain African countries to monitor and control cargo entering their ports. It is also referred to as ECTN, BESC, BSC, FERI or BIETC depending on the country.
Exporting goods to African countries requires compliance with country-specific maritime and customs regulations. Requirements such as Electronic Cargo Tracking Notes (ECTN) vary across countries, creating complexity for exporters. Errors or inconsistencies in shipment documentation can lead to delays, penalties or denied port entry.
Our structured Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) service supports compliance with these requirements. Our approach includes document verification, alignment with country-specific regulations and coordination of ECTN issuance, helping you prepare shipments for predictable and compliant port clearance.
Ensure compliant and efficient cargo clearance
- Navigate regulatory complexityWe support compliance with country-specific CTN requirements, including BESC, BSC, FERI and BIETC, across major African markets.
- Reduce clearance delaysWe verify shipment documentation in advance to help prevent issues during customs processing.
- Improve documentation accuracyWe review shipment documents to ensure alignment with applicable regulatory requirements.
- Enable predictable shipment flowWe help establish a structured process that supports consistent and efficient cargo clearance.
- Access integrated compliance support
We enable coordination of CTN and related conformity requirements through a single service approach.
Covering countries across Africa
Why SGS?
As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, we provide independent verification services that support compliance across global trade processes. We apply structured document review and regulatory expertise to help you align shipments with destination country requirements.
Our experience in trade facilitation and inspection services enables us to support exporters and importers in managing documentation, reducing compliance risks and preparing shipments for efficient customs clearance.
FAQs
An Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is the digital version of the CTN, issued after verification of shipment documentation to confirm compliance with destination country requirements.
Yes. Depending on the destination port, CTN may be officially called Bordereau Électronique de Suivi de Cargaison (BESC), Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC), FERI, or BIETC.
CTN requirements are implemented by individual countries to ensure cargo traceability, regulatory compliance and accurate customs control prior to shipment arrival.
Typical documents include the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list and shipping bill, which are reviewed to ensure consistency with regulatory requirements before issuance.
Failure to obtain a valid CTN can result in shipment delays, financial penalties or refusal of cargo clearance at the destination port.
We provide an independent verification layer that proactively identifies and mitigates non-conformities ahead of regulatory scrutiny:
- Documents submission: upload your Bill of Lading, commercial invoice and packing list to our secure portal
- Expert data audit: our specialists review your documentation for consistency against specific mandates, ensuring your ECTN number is validated before the vessel arrives
- Validate and issue: once confirmed, we facilitate the final issuance of your official ECTN number
- Smooth clearance: your cargo reaches the port fully compliant, ensuring a predictable and efficient clearance process
Yes, we support CTN compliance across multiple African countries, each with specific regulatory requirements and naming conventions.
Yes, CTN services can be coordinated alongside other trade compliance services, such as Certificates of Conformity (CoC), to streamline your export processes.
Helpline Number
SGS House 4B, Adi Shankaracharya Marg, Vikhroli (West),
Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400 083,
India