Last updated: March 2026

A Gambia CTN certificate (Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory shipping document required for all cargo entering, leaving, or transiting through The Gambia. Introduced on May 15, 2023, the requirement applies to all commodities with no exclusions — covering sea, road, and air cargo. The CTN reference number must appear in both the goods description and shipment reference fields on the bill of lading. Without it, exporters face fines of twice the certificate cost plus regulation fees.

We provide Gambia CTN certificates toUnited States .

Despite being mandatory and crucial for the process, many exporters still overlook this certificate. The Gambia imported over $1.1 billion worth of goods in 2023 (Source: World Bank), and non-compliance can cause costly delays at the Port of Banjul. For general information about cargo tracking notes, see our guide on what is a CTN certificate.

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      Table of Contents

      Gambia CTN certificate sample document

      What is Gambia CTN Certificate?

      CTN is short for Cargo Tracking Note. This certificate allows Gambian authorities to track, manage, and supervise all cargo from loading to discharge. It provides information about shipments before they arrive at the destination, including details about the exporter, the importer, goods being transported and their value, freight cost, type of shipment, vessel name, etc.

      The Gambia CTN is part of a family of cargo tracking certificates used across Africa. Different countries use different names for the same type of certificate — for example, it’s called BSC/BESC in French-speaking countries and ECTN in many others. The Gambia is one of the newest countries to implement this requirement, joining over 25 African nations that mandate cargo tracking certificates.

      What are the required documents?

      Flag of Gambia on the Gambia CTN page

      There are 3-4 required documents for the Gambia CTN process:

      • Bill of Lading: It is a document that provides information 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 a document only necessary if the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
      • Export Customs Declaration: This is a document that is prepared by the Customs Officials of the exporter country. It includes details about the goods getting transported and has a detailed description of them.

      Make sure all documents are accurate and complete before submission. See our guide on the top 20 mistakes to avoid when getting a CTN to prevent costly errors and delays.

      What are the consequences of not having this certificate?

      You need to have this certificate five days before the vessel arrives at the destination port at the latest. If not, you will face a fine of twice the amount of the CTN plus a regulation fee determined by the Gambian National Port Officials.

      This makes The Gambia one of the stricter countries for CTN enforcement. Unlike some countries where fines are the only consequence, delays at the Port of Banjul can also result in demurrage and storage charges that quickly add up. Learn more about why outsourcing your CTN to an experienced provider helps avoid these risks.

      Pricing

      Certificate cost depends on the number of Bill of Ladings and the containers, the country of origin, the port of discharge, etc. If you share your shipment’s details with us we can provide you the best charges for your certificate. We offer free quotations — contact us or see our pricing page for more details.

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      How long does it take to get Gambia CTN certificate?

      We provide draft Gambia CTN certificate within 24 hours. We provide certificates to exporters all over the World.

      Which ports in Gambia require CTN certificate?

      All ports in The Gambia require a CTN certificate. The Gambia has one major port that handles international trade:

      Port of Banjul:

      The Port of Banjul is the principal seaport of The Gambia and serves as the main gateway for maritime trade. Located in the capital city along the Gambia River, it handles containers, bulk commodities, and general goods. The port handles approximately 90% of The Gambia’s international trade and plays a crucial role in facilitating import and export activities for Gambia and neighboring landlocked regions.

      Which countries are the biggest exporters to Gambia?

      According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), The Gambia’s top import partners include:

      1. China
      2. Senegal
      3. Thailand
      4. United Arab Emirates
      5. United Kingdom
      6. Malaysia
      7. Netherlands
      8. India
      9. Belgium
      10. Turkey
      11. United States
      12. Germany
      13. France
      14. Italy
      15. Spain
      16. Guinea-Bissau
      17. South Africa
      18. Ivory Coast
      19. Brazil
      20. Japan

      If you’re exporting from any of these countries to The Gambia, a CTN certificate is required regardless of your country of origin. Contact us for a free quotation.

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      The Gambia is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, so shipments often transit through Senegalese territory. If your cargo passes through or is destined for neighboring countries, you may also need:

      • Senegal BSC — required for all cargo entering Senegal. Since The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal, many shipments require both certificates
      • Guinea-Bissau CEE — required for cargo entering Guinea-Bissau, which borders The Gambia to the south
      • Mali BSC — landlocked Mali often uses Gambian and Senegalese ports for transit cargo

      Learn about all the different names of ECTN by country or read our guide on how to choose the right CTN service provider.

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