The Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons (BESC), also known as the ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note), is now a must for all maritime operations bound for Cameroon. More than a simple formality, it is a strategic tool for regulation and transparency, at the heart of the national trade facilitation policy.
A system for transparency
Established by the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNSC), the primary purpose of the ECTN is to centralize and secure information relating to each cargo. Even before a ship arrives in a Cameroonian port, the authorities already have a set of essential data at their disposal:
- Nature and quantity of goods
- Declared value
- Commercial and logistics documents
- Identification of ship and loading port.
This anticipation not only enables better planning of port operations, but also strengthens the fight against under-invoicing and commercial fraud.
A document of anticipation
The CGS in Cameroon is first and foremost an anticipatory document, indispensable for initiating any customs procedure. Closely linked to the Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur, it is the first step in the shipment process, as it is automatically transmitted to the various players in the logistics chain.
Without this document, it is impossible to :
- Clearing goods through customs
- Follow the progress of your file on the Guichet Unique platform
- Remove cargo on arrival.
In addition, establishing the ECTN in advance and within the regulatory deadlines enables forwarders and other port stakeholders to efficiently anticipate the customs clearance process, guaranteeing faster and smoother handling of goods on landing.
Why do the ECTN?
The ECTN is a regulatory requirement: all cargo entering Cameroon must be accompanied by this document. Failure to present it, or delay in obtaining it, will result in :
- Significant financial penalties,
- Delays in customs clearance, up to and including complete blockage of goods
- A significant increase in logistics costs.
Beyond the sanction, the CGS requirement reflects a clear desire on the part of the authorities to modernize the management of foreign trade and reinforce the reliability of the Cameroonian port system.
Taking appropriate action
It's essential to rely on the right partners to draw up the ECTN, to ensure that it is produced on time and in compliance with current standards. A properly prepared ECTN not only saves you from costly penalties and customs clearance delays, it also secures your entire supply chain.
With its expertise and responsiveness, Easy CTN is the partner you can trust to accompany you every step of the way, so that your shipments to Cameroon go off without a hitch.
