Chad
Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons
BESCElectronic cargo tracking note, validated before loading
Shipments to Chad need a BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons). The BESC for Chad must be validated at least 2 days before the vessel arrives.
When is it required?
The BESC for Chad must be validated at least 2 days before the vessel arrives.
Who applies?
The shipper or the freight forwarder files it.
How long does it take?
Draft the same day once the application is complete.
Chad BESC guide
Who runs it, where the cargo discharges, and the rules your file is checked against.
- Issuing body
- Conseil national des chargeurs tchadien (COC-TCHAD)
- Port of discharge
- N’Djamena (dry port, via Douala)
Rules to know
- The Incoterm must be shown on the commercial invoice.
- The bill of lading must show the shipped-on-board date.
- The authority does not require the BESC number on the master bill of lading, but some carriers ask for it.
Documents to prepare for Chad
Tick what you already have. Send them when the list is complete, or send what you have now and we tell you what is missing.
List from our operations team, updated 4 August 2026.
Before you apply
Send your documents, we check them first
Upload the draft bill of lading or invoice. We check the details the BESC needs and tell you what to fix before anything is filed.
- Your files go only to our certificate team.
- You decide whether to apply after our reply.
In 2013, Chad Customs Officials introduced a new regulation for exporters. According to this regulation, every shipment to Chad must be accompanied by an ECTN certificate. Failing to have this certificate will result in serious consequences. Despite being a landlocked country where most sea transports are transferred from Cameroon, it’s important to note that a Cameroon certificate is not necessary, and an ECTN certificate for Chad alone is sufficient.
Click here to learn more about transit shipments.
Despite its status as a mandatory certificate and the penalties associated with its absence, ECTN is often one of the most overlooked certificates.
What is Chad ECTN?
ECTN stands for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, and as the name suggests, it plays a self-explanatory role. It enables authorities to effectively track, manage, and supervise all shipments in the area. Furthermore, it provides them with valuable information about shipments even before they reach their destination. This certification contains comprehensive details about the exporter, importer, information regarding the transported goods and their value, freight costs, shipment type, vessel name, and more.
What are the required documents?

2-3 documents are all you need when applying for the ECTN certificate, and you can find them in the following:
- Bill of Lading: This is a document that includes details about the exporter, the importer, the weight of the goods, the shipping line, the vessel name, etc.
- Commercial Invoice: It contains details of the goods, the freight cost, the incoterm, and some other charges if there is any, etc..
- Freight Invoice: It is only required if the commercial invoice doesn’t mention the freight cost.
What are the consequences of not having this certification?
According to the regulation, you must ensure that the certification is validated at least five days before the vessel’s arrival, and this is the latest possible deadline. Failure to comply will result in a fine, equivalent to the cost of the ECTN, in addition to the regulation charges determined by the Customs 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 send you an exact quote for your certificate. We offer free quotation.
How long does it take to get Chad ECTN certificate?
We provide draft Chad ECTN certificate the same day. We provide certificates to exporters all over the World.
Which ports in Chad require (cargo waiver) ECTN certificate?
All ports require ECTN in Chad. Chad is a landlocked country, which means it does not have direct access to any seaports. Therefore, Chad relies on neighboring countries and their ports for international trade and import/export activities. Below are the top 5 shipping ports used for trade with Chad.
- Port of Douala (Cameroon):
The Port of Douala is the largest and busiest port in Cameroon and serves as a major transit point for Chad’s imports and exports. - Port of Lomé (Togo):
The Port of Lomé is located on the coast of Togo and serves as a regional hub for maritime trade. It is commonly used by landlocked countries in West Africa, including Chad. - Port of Cotonou (Benin):
The Port of Cotonou is another significant port in the region and serves as a gateway for trade in West Africa. It is utilized by Chad for its import and export activities. - Port of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire):
The Port of Abidjan is the largest port in Côte d’Ivoire and plays a crucial role in facilitating trade in the region. Chad may utilize this port for its international trade. - Port of Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo):
The Port of Pointe-Noire is located in the Republic of Congo and serves as a gateway to Central Africa. It may be used by Chad for its trade activities, although it is relatively further from Chad compared to the other ports mentioned.
Which countries are the biggest exporters to Chad?
- China
- France
- United States
- Belgium
- Cameroon
- Netherlands
- Germany
- United Arab Emirates
- India
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Italy
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Brazil
- Malaysia
- Russia
- Canada
Memberships and certifications
Membership
Certifications
- ISO 9001:2015Quality management
- ISO 14001Environmental management
- ISO/IEC 27001Information security management
Updates for Chad
- Cameroon: transit BESC suspended for cargo to Chad and the Central African RepublicCameroon has temporarily stopped requiring its own BESC for transit cargo moving through Douala to Chad or the Central African Republic.
- Chad: 100% penalty for a BESC issued after shipmentCargo to or from Chad must be covered by a BESC issued before shipment. Since 1 January 2026, a BESC issued afterwards to regularise the cargo at the port of discharge carries a penalty equal to 100% of the BESC amount.
Related countries
- Central AfricaDR Congo (FERI)Fiche Électronique de Renseignement à l'Importation5 days before arrival6 documents
- Central AfricaEquatorial Guinea (FESO/ECTN)Equatorial Guinea's cargo tracking certificateGenerally before arrival4 documents
- Central AfricaGabon (BIETC)Bordereau d'Identification Électronique de Traçabilité des CargaisonsBefore departure4 documents


