In 2001, Burkina Faso implemented a regulation requiring the ECTN to be mandatory for all shipments, except for air cargo.
Burkina Faso relies on the coastlines of neighboring countries like Ghana, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, and others for sea transportation.
If you’re exporting to Burkina Faso, it’s crucial to obtain an ECTN certificate for both Burkina Faso and the port country you are using. This means you need two ECTN certificates to comply with the regulations. The absence of either ECTN certificate can lead to serious consequences.
We offer Burkina Faso ECTN certificates for United States .
Click here to learn more about transit shipments.
What is Burkina Faso ECTN?
ECTN stands for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, and it’s a certificate that most Western and some Central African countries have made mandatory. If Burkina Faso is the final destination for your shipment, it must be accompanied by an ECTN certificate.
ECTN provides authorities with the ability and information needed to track, manage, and supervise shipments from loading to discharge. It includes details about the exporter, importer, the value of the goods, the quantity, and more.
What documents do you need?
All you need is 2-3 simple documents, and you can find them in the following:
- Bill of Lading: This document contains details about the exporter, the importer, the shipping line, the container numbers/chassis numbers (if there is any), etc.
- Commercial Invoice: It contains prices (the goods, the freight, and the insurance values, etc.), the incoterm, the details of the goods.
- Freight Invoice: This document is only mandatory if the freight cost is not on the Commercial Invoice.
What consequences can you face if you don’t have it?
You must obtain an ECTN certification at least five days before the vessel’s arrival. Failure to submit the correct documentation may result in Customs Officials stopping the cargo, causing delays during clearance. While having an ECTN number on the Bill of Lading is not mandatory, some shipping lines may require it.
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.
How long does it take to get Burkina Faso ECTN certificate?
We provide draft Angolan ECTN certificate within 24 hours. We provide certificates to exporters all over the World.
Which ports in Burkina Faso require (cargo waiver) ECTN certificate?
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country and does not have direct access to seaports. It relies on neighboring countries’ ports for international trade and import/export activities.
People commonly use the following ports for shipping goods to and from Burkina Faso:
- Port of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire):
Located in Côte d’Ivoire, the Port of Abidjan serves as a major transit point for Burkina Faso’s international trade. It is the closest and most commonly used port for importing and exporting goods to and from Burkina Faso. - Port of Lomé (Togo):
Situated in Togo, the Port of Lomé is another important gateway for Burkina Faso’s international trade. - Port of Tema (Ghana):
People utilize the Port of Tema, located in Ghana, for shipping goods to and from Burkina Faso. It serves as an alternative port option for trade activities. - Port of Takoradi (Ghana):
People occasionally use the Port of Takoradi, situated in Ghana, to ship certain types of cargo to and from Burkina Faso, particularly heavy or oversized goods. - Port of Cotonou (Benin):
Even though Burkina Faso does not have direct access to this port, people can use the Port of Cotonou in Benin for transshipment purposes. They transport goods by land to Cotonou and then ship them to their final destinations.
What are the most imported items in Burkina Faso?
- Petroleum products: Including gasoline, diesel, and other refined petroleum products.
- Machinery and mechanical appliances: Such as machinery parts, generators, pumps, and electrical machinery.
- Vehicles and automotive parts: Including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and their components.
- Rice: Burkina Faso imports a significant amount of rice to meet domestic consumption needs.
- Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment: Including medicines, medical instruments, and healthcare supplies.
- Iron and steel products: Such as iron rods, steel structures, and construction materials.
- Wheat: Burkina Faso imports wheat for its flour and bakery industry.
- Electrical machinery and equipment: Including electronic devices, appliances, and telecommunications equipment.
- Textiles and clothing: Including fabrics, garments, and apparel.
- Fertilizers: Burkina Faso imports fertilizers to support its agricultural sector and improve crop production.
Which countries are the biggest exporters to Burkina Faso?
These are the Top 20 countries from where Burkina Faso imports from, based on the data from past few years:
- Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
- China
- France
- Ghana
- Togo
- Nigeria
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Senegal
- Germany
- Switzerland
- United States
- India
- Niger
- Mali
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- Turkey
- Spain
- Benin