When it comes to international trade, compliance with Beninese regulatory authorities means conducting business successfully in different horizons. For those involved in importing goods into Benin, securing a Cargo Tracking Note, commonly known as a BESC (Bordereau Electronique de Suivi de Cargaison) is among the most essential of steps.
This certificate verifies compliance with Beninese customs regulations and ensures the smooth movement of your cargo.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to obtain your BESC for Benin, we will cover crucial requirements, documents, potential penalties, processing times, and other essential information.
The Benin BESC is known by different names such as CTN, ECTN, and BSC.
Step 1: Understanding the BESC
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand that why BESC or CTN is significant. This document is a mandatory requirement for shipments entering Benin and serves as evidence of compliance with Benin customs regulations.
Without a BESC, your cargo could face delays, fines, or even rejection at the port of entry.
Step 2: Gathering Essential Documentation
To start your BESC application process, ensure you have the necessary documents:
- Bill of Lading (B/L): The bill of lading contains key details of the cargo, such as type, quantity, destination, and terms of shipment.
- Commercial Invoice: This document provides a detailed overview of the commercial transaction between the buyer and seller, including the value of the goods and payment terms.
- Freight Invoice: The freight invoice details costs associated with transporting the goods, freight charges, handling fees, and other related expenses.
- Export Customs Declaration: A declaration confirming that the goods follow to the regulations of the exporting country. This document confirms the authenticity of the cargo and its compliance with export standards.
- Packing List: A detailed inventory of the cargo, specifying the contents of each package, weight, and dimensions.
Step 3: Engaging with Authorized BESC Provider like us
It’s important that you utilize services of an authorized BESC certificate provider. This will begin your BESC application process. Our experts have a deep understanding of Beninese customs regulations and can play a pivotal role in completing your process. We will assist in verifying your documents and facilitate the submission of your BESC application.
Step 4: Application Submission
This step will formally submit your application through your CTN service like us. Consultant like us will compile the necessary documents and submit your BESC application.
Step 5: Document Verification and Validation
Upon submission, Beninese customs authorities will review your application and provided documents. Depending on the nature of the cargo, additional verification and validation may be conducted.
Ensuring the accuracy of cargo details as per the submitted documents is vital to avoid potential complications.
Step 6: BESC Issuance
After successful verification and validation, the Beninese customs authorities will issue the BESC certificate. This document attests to the cargo’s compliance to Beninese customs regulations and permits its import. Note that the validity of the BESC certificate may vary based on time, cargo type and destination.
We provide draft CTN within 24 hours.
Duration of BESC Processing
The processing time for a BESC certificate can vary based on factors such as cargo complexity, document accuracy, and application volume. While processing times typically range from 24 hours to few days to several weeks. Consult your BESC authorized provider to get more accurate estimate.
Penalties and Compliance
Failure to comply with BESC regulations can lead to penalties, ranging from fines to shipment delays. To mitigate any issues, strict compliance to BESC requirements is essential. Close collaboration with your BESC provider is necessary to ensure smooth issuance of your BESC.
