Madagascar
Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons
BSCCargo tracking note, validated before loading
Shipments to Madagascar need a BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons). For Madagascar, the declaration is due 5 days before the vessel arrives, and the BSC must be ready at least 3 days before that.
When is it required?
For Madagascar, the declaration is due 5 days before the vessel arrives, and the BSC must be ready at least 3 days before that.
Who applies?
The shipper or the freight forwarder files it.
How long does it take?
Draft the same day once the application is complete.
Madagascar BSC guide
Who runs it, where the cargo discharges, and the rules your file is checked against.
- Issuing body
- Agence Portuaire, Maritime et Fluviale (APMF)
- Port of discharge
- ToamasinaMajungaTuléar
Rules to know
- The BSC number can be given before validation.
- Both shipper and consignee must be registered on the Madagascar platform before a draft is issued.
- The BSC number must be passed to the shipping line to obtain the final bill of lading.
- Cargo in transit to a neighbouring country does not need the BSC.
Documents to prepare for Madagascar
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 BSC 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 2007, Madagascar Authorities made a new regulation that stated a BSC certificate must accompany every shipment to Madagascar. Despite having severe consequences and a hefty fine in its absence, it is one of the most missed certifications. More than 20% of all cargos with Madagascar as their final destination got a penalty for not having a BSC certificate in 2016. However, you don’t need to have this certificate if your shipment’s final destination is somewhere other than Madagascar. The BSC is an obligation for all ports in Madagascar. Including Port Louis, Longoni etc.
What is Madagascar BSC?
BSC stands for Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons, which is French for Cargo Tracking Note or CTN for short. The name itself provides a clear indication of its purpose. It is a certificate utilized by authorities to track, manage, and supervise all cargos from loading to discharge. Additionally, it enables officials to obtain information about the shipments even before they arrive at the destination port. This includes details about the exporter, the importer, information about the transported goods and their value, the cost of the freight, the type of shipment, the name of the vessel, and more.
What are the required documents?
You need 4-5 documents for a BSC document that you can find in the following:
- Bill of Lading: This document contains information 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 only a requirement if the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
- Customs Declaration: Customs Officials of the exporter country prepares this document, and it lists the goods getting transported and contains some important details of them.
- Packing List: This document contains all the details of the goods, especially the total weight.
What would be the consequences of not having a BSC certificate?
You must have the BSC certificate validated before the departure date. The officials will ask for the BSC to let you load your cargo into the vessel. And even if your shipment gets accepted, the certificate will be required at the destination port. If you fail to validate the certificate, your cargo won’t have an entry clearance; and will be sent back to the origin.
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.
Memberships and certifications
Membership
Certifications
- ISO 9001:2015Quality management
- ISO 14001Environmental management
- ISO/IEC 27001Information security management
