The Conseil National de Chargeurs Togolais implemented a new regulation in 2000, mandating that all shipments to Togo must have a CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) certificate. The absence of this certificate results in severe consequences and substantial fines. Togo’s ports are frequently utilized for transit purposes. However, irrespective of the reason for using the ports, obtaining a CTN certificate is compulsory. Click here for more information on transit shipments. The CTN requirement applies to all ports in Togo, including Lomé.
Despite being mandatory and critical to the process, the CTN certificate is often one of the most overlooked certificates.
What is Togo CTN?
The name Electronic Cargo Tracking Note or ECTN, for short, explains the purpose of the certificate quite well. It is a certificate that enables authorities to track, manage, and supervise the cargo from loading to discharge. Additionally, it provides information about the shipments before they arrive at the destination. The certificate contains details about the exporter, the importer, the value of the goods, the quantity of the items, and more.
What are the required documents?
- Bill of Lading: It contains details about the exporter, the importer, the weight of the goods, the shipping line, the vessel name, etc.
- Commercial Invoice: It includes details of the goods, the freight cost, the incoterm, and some other charges if there is any, etc.
- Freight Invoice: This is a document only necessary when the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
- Export Customs Declaration: This document contains information about the goods getting transported and has a detailed description of them.
What are the consequences of not having this certificate?
The ECTN certificate must be validated five days before the vessel arrives at the destination at the latest. If you fail to provide the certificate, you will be facing a fine twice the amount of the ECTN cost plus the regulation charges determined by the Togolese National Port Officials.
Pricing
Certificate cost depends on the number of Bill of Ladings and the containers, the country of origin, the port of discharge, etc. This is why we can’t give you an exact price for the CTN. But if you share your shipment’s details with us we can provide you the best charges for your certificate. We offer free quotation.
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