A Cargo Tracking Note (CTN), a necessary loading document, is required for all shipments to Somalia as of February 1, 2023, according to the law established by the Somali Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport. An CTN must accompany all cargoes to Somalia and the number must be written on the Bill of Lading. If not, there will be severe outcomes and a significant amount of penalty fees.
Although it is mandatory and crucial, it is still one of the most missed and overlooked certificates.
What is Somalia CTN?
CTN is short for Cargo Tracking Note also known as a ECTN or BESC. It is a name that explains its purpose very well. Because it is a certificate that allows the authorities to track, manage, and supervise the cargos from loading to discharge. It also helps them to gain information about the shipments before they even arrive at the destination. It contains information about the exporter, the importer, information about the goods getting transported and their value, the cost of the freight, the type of shipment, the name of the vessel, etc.
What are the required documents?
- 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 mandatory if the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
What are the consequences of not having this certificate?
The CTN certificate must be validated five days before the vessel arrives at the destination at the latest. If you fail to provide the certificate at the given time, you will be facing a fine twice the amount of the ECTN cost plus the regulation charges determined by the Somali Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport.
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 provide you the best charges for your certificate. We offer free quotation.
Partners and Affiliates
