In 2008, the Republic of Congo introduced a regulation requiring all shipments to the country to be accompanied by an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) certificate. Failure to present this certificate results in severe consequences and substantial fines. However, for shipments merely transiting through the Republic of Congo, an ECTN may not be necessary in certain cases. The ECTN requirement is enforced at all ports within the Republic of Congo, including Pointe-Noire, among others.
This regulation remains in effect and, despite being a requirement for over twelve years, the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) continues to be one of the most overlooked documents by shippers.
What is Republic of The Congo ECTN?
ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) effectively communicates its purpose through its name. This certificate enables authorities to track, manage, and supervise cargo from loading to discharge. It also provides them with details about the shipment before its arrival at the destination port, including information on the exporter, importer, goods, vessel name, and more.
What are the required documents?
As for the requirements, you are going to need 3-4 documents that you can find in the following:
- Bill of Lading: It contains information about the shipper and the consignee, the shipping line, the weight of the goods getting transported, container numbers/chassis numbers (if there is any), etc.
- Commercial Invoice: It contains details of the goods, the freight cost, the incoterm, and some other charges if there is any, etc.
- Freight Cost: This is only necessary if the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
- GUOT: It means Single Window Customs System, and it is especial to the Republic of Congo. It contains the required details about the shipment, like the weight and values.
What consequences can you face if you don’t have it?
Validation of the ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is required before the 5th day following departure at the latest. However, it is recommended to validate the certificate before the vessel departs. Failure to validate within the specified timeframe results in the certificate cost increasing by 50%. If the ship arrives without a certificate, a fine will be imposed, equivalent to the value of the certificate plus regulation charges as determined by the authorities. Additionally, the shipment will be denied entry clearance.
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 Republic of Congo ECTN certificate?
We provide draft Liberia ECTN certificate within 24 hours. We provide certificates to exporters/importers all over the World.
Which ports in Republic of Congo require (cargo waiver) ECTN certificate?
All ports require ECTN certificate in Republic of Congo, including:
- Port of Pointe-Noire
- Port of Brazzaville
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