Republic of the Congo
Electronic Cargo Tracking Note
ECTNElectronic tracking note for the port of discharge
Shipments to Republic of the Congo need a ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note). The ECTN for Republic of the Congo must be validated within 5 days after the on-board date; later validation is penalised.
When is it required?
The ECTN for Republic of the Congo must be validated within 5 days after the on-board date; later validation is penalised.
Who applies?
The shipper or the freight forwarder files it.
How long does it take?
Draft the same day once the application is complete.
Republic of the Congo ECTN guide
Who runs it, where the cargo discharges, and the rules your file is checked against.
- Issuing body
- Conseil Congolais des Chargeurs (CCC)
- Port of discharge
- Pointe-Noire
Rules to know
- The ECTN number is issued at validation, so it cannot be given in advance.
- The export customs declaration is not required for shipments loading in the USA.
- The authority does not require the ECTN number on the master bill of lading, but some carriers ask for it.
- The ECTN costs 50% more when validation is requested more than 3 calendar days after the vessel departs.
Documents to prepare for Republic of the Congo
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 ECTN 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 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 send you an exact quote 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 the same day. 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
Memberships and certifications
Membership
Certifications
- ISO 9001:2015Quality management
- ISO 14001Environmental management
- ISO/IEC 27001Information security management
Related countries
- Central AfricaAngola (ARCCLA)Agência Reguladora de Certificação de Cargas e Logística de AngolaBefore departure5 documents
- Central AfricaBurundi (BESC)Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des CargaisonsOriginal B/L within 5 days5 documents
- Central AfricaCameroon (BESC)Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons48 hours before arrival4 documents
