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Ahlers China - ECTN Provider for African Destinations

ECTN is another form of a waiver document and stands for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. You may have heard about Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison (BSC) or Loading Certificate that is the same as the ECTN document.

These waiver certificates are an official marine document that contains information relating to the cargo and its movement between ports. Certain African countries require this from shippers intending to effectively control, supervise, and manage import/export traffic of the country. Each ECTN must be applied and validated at the loading port and are fundamental for the import customs clearance upon arrival. Cargoes not covered by a valid ECTN will be blocked by the local Customs until the presentation of the final ECTN and an appropriate fine will be charged.

With any questions regarding ECTN please contact our office:

Ahlers China, Room 901-902, 9th Floor, World Business Building,
228 Si Ping Road, Hongkou 200081, Shanghai 200081, China
T +86 21 63306600
F +86 21 63338610

Ahlers China provides ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) for cargo going from China to Africa 

  • Being an authorized agent of the Shippers Council for the Republic of Congo, Benin, and Burkina Faso, Ahlers China provides ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) for the cargo, going from China to the above-mentioned countries. These waiver certificates are required to effectively control, supervise, and manage import/export traffic to the country.

  • Waiver documents have full details of the exporter/ importer, shipping method (containerized, groupage, etc), type and value of goods being transported, name of the vessel, and cost of freight for the shipment. These waivers are dealt with by the importer or exporter and must be filed before the cargo arrives at its port of discharge.

  • In order to avoid any issues which may be caused by the absence of ECTN (such as cargo suspension, demurrage, detention..) it is highly recommended that an appropriate party takes care of ECTN provision in advance.