What is a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) Certificate?
The Loading Certificate, Cargo Tracking Note Is a kind of waiver document goes by the abbreviation CTN, and is sometimes referred to as Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison (BSC) which is the french wording.
These waiver certificates are recognized maritime records that provide information on the cargo and its port-to-port transportation. In order to effectively manage, monitor, and regulate their import and export trade, some African countries demand this. Each CTN must be submitted and approved in order to be used for import customs clearance at the port of entry. Local customs will prohibit any shipments that aren’t covered by a valid CTN and impose a penalty fee.
The waiver documents contain every relevant detail on the exporter and importer, the shipping mode (containerized, groupage, etc.), the kind and value of the items being transported, the name of the vessel, and the freight bill for the cargo. Before the shipment reaches the port of discharge, the importer or exporter must handle and register these waivers. If the ECTN Certificate is not verified in a timely manner, your cargo may suffer consequences, and you may not be able to obtain a certificate.
Why is an Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) Certificate required?
Is the CTN Certificate mandatory for all shipments to Somalia?
There are no regulations in place regarding any exceptions for not obtaining the CTN Certificate. All shipments entering Somalia must obtain a Cargo Tracking Note including Humanitarian – UN cargo and personal effects.
Once the procedure is completed and payment is done, how long will it take to obtain the ECTN and is it going to be sent via email?
What are the procedure/steps for obtaining an ECTN certificate via the website?
What documents are required to obtain an CTN Certificate?
The following documents should be scanned and uploaded or sent in PDF format to get issued a CTN certificate:
Bill of lading
Commercial invoice
Freight invoice
Who is responsible for obtaining the CTN Certificate?
Who should apply the ECTN? The shipper/booking party in Port of Loading or the consignee in Mogadishu?
The ECTN should be applied to and paid for by the shipper/exporter party in the P.O.L..
What are the consequences of not having an Electronic “Cargo Tracking Note” (ECTN, CTN)?
Is it mandatory to mention the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) number on Bill of Lading (BL)?
The Somalia government has determined that beginning on April 29th, 2023, all transactions involving goods imported into Somalia must include an ECTN Reference Number on the bill of lading. Goods lacking an ECTN number are not allowed to be loaded onto the ship.
As CTN Somalia we are able to deliver this ECTN Number the same day as the application because we are the authorized agency.
Is it necessary to obtain an ECTN number before loading the container at the Port of Loading? Is there any deadline?
Currently, the ECTN has to be validated before the arrival of the vessel. But we encourage shippers to consider the time needed to get the validation and therefore apply with the draft Bill of Lading (B.L.).
How much does an ECTN Certificate cost?
Can I cancel or request a refund for an ECTN Certificate?
The cancellation or refund policies for ECTN Certificates may be possible if the cancellation is before the certificates validation. If the CTN Certificate has been validated you can not get a refund. It is advisable to review the terms and conditions and communicate directly with the responsible party to understand the possibilities for cancellation or refunds.
What are the common reasons for the CTN Certificate rejection?
ECTN Certificates are frequently refused for a variety of reasons, including incorrect or insufficient information, a lack of supporting documents, a failure to satisfy the standards of the destination country, or a violation of the law. In order to prevent rejection, it is imperative to give correct and comprehensive information.
What consequences may there be if you fill out the ECTN Certificate with inaccurate or insufficient information?
Without an ECTN Certificate, what are the possible delays or difficulties at the destination port?
Without an ECTN Certificate, there may be delays in customs clearance, additional inspections, penalties or fines, rejection of cargo discharge, or even potential legal repercussions at the destination port. To prevent such problems, it is essential to follow the destination country’s regulations.
How does the ECTN Certificate affect the insurance coverage for my cargo?
What should I do if the destination country does not accept the final CTN Certificate?
ECTN is a digital document and a valid ECTN means it’s validated in the country system. As long as the ECTN is validated by the authorized party, the ECTN will always be recognized. For any problem you may occur we at CTN Somalia are here to help.
Can I use a single CTN Certificate for multiple shipments?
How is customs clearance affected by the ECTN Certificate?
In countries where it is necessary, the ECTN Certificate is a crucial document for customs clearance. Before providing clearance for the shipment, customs officials utilize the certificate to confirm the information given, monitor the movement of the container, and check for regulatory compliance.