Mandatory African Cargo Waivers Explained: BESC, ECTN, CNCA, BIETC & SONCAP Guide
How to obtain mandatory pre-shipment cargo tracking waivers (BESC, ECTN, BSC, CNCA, BIETC, FERI) and SONCAP conformity certificates to avoid customs penalties at 24 African ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions and expert answers regarding African trade, ocean freight, BESC certification, and port clearance procedures.
Since 1983, ATC has provided turnkey foreign trade consulting, container shipping (FCL/LCL), express air freight, and commercial agency across 24 West, Central, and Southern African nations, notably Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, and The Gambia.
BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) or ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory customs tracking certificate required by African port authorities prior to vessel departure. Cargo cannot clear customs without it. ATC processes and validates all tracking certificates within 24 hours.
From main Turkish ports (Izmir, Istanbul, Mersin), container transit to West African ports (Dakar, Tema, Abidjan) takes an average of 18 to 26 days. Transit to Central and Southern African ports (Douala, Pointe-Noire, Luanda) ranges between 25 and 35 days.
The most secure payment methods are Confirmed Irrevocable Letters of Credit (Confirmed L/C) and advance wire transfer (Advance T/T). With 43+ years of local presence, ATC verifies buyer credibility and bank solvency to eliminate non-payment risks.
Yes. For shipments that do not fill a full container, we provide secure LCL consolidation billed per cubic meter (CBM). For urgent samples and high-priority goods, our Istanbul-based Express Air Cargo delivers door-to-airport within 2 to 4 business days.
Take a Secure and Fast Step into African Markets
Contact our foreign trade desk directly for export product pricing (coidet.com), African raw material imports, container freight rates, and mandatory BESC/ECTN waivers.