Burundi BESC/ECTN requirement

Under Burundi government regulations effective from 1 April 2014, all cargo transhipped through the ports of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) or Mombasa (Kenya) into Burundi must be covered by a BESC (French: Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) / ECTN (English: Electronic Cargo Tracking Note). Both names refer to the same document.

Certificate name

BESC (ECTN) — Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. Issued as an electronic PDF and transmitted by email.

Scope

All cargo — including general goods and dangerous goods — transhipped through Dar es Salaam or Mombasa into Burundi. Cargo types include FCL, LCL, break-bulk and RoRo. Exporters, traders, freight forwarders, carriers and importers may act as applicant.

Data required

BESC Application Form

Bill of Lading copy

Commercial Invoice copy (freight invoice not required if the invoice already reflects CIF/CFR terms)

Export customs documents

Freight Invoice (where applicable)

Timing

The BESC must be issued and effective before the cargo reaches the destination port. The principle applied is “file before cargo departs”. If the sailing is significantly postponed, an extension or re-issue may be required.

Project flow

Exporter or agent completes the Application Form and prepares supporting documents.

Documents are submitted for review against the draft B/L.

Once verified, the BESC draft is issued for confirmation.

After confirmation, the final BESC is released as an electronic PDF.

Finality of draft. Once the BESC draft is confirmed, no further changes are permitted. The Commercial Invoice, B/L and BESC used at destination must be identical, otherwise the consignee cannot clear the cargo.