Togo ECTN/BESC requirement

Under a Togolese Republic decree, all sea cargo to Togo must be covered by an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note), known in French as BESC (Bordereau de Cargaison). The certificate is supervised by the Conseil National des Chargeurs du Togo (CNCT). No exemption applies.

Certificate name

ECTN / BESC — Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. One unique number per Bill of Lading.

Scope

All sea cargo to Togo — FCL, LCL and break-bulk. Applies to direct calls at Lomé (LOM) and Kpémé (KPM), as well as cargo transhipped via Togolese ports to other destinations. Loading port is not restricted.

Data required

ECTN Application Form

Draft Bill of Lading

Commercial Invoice (stamped)

Packing List (stamped)

Export Customs Declaration (pre-recorded or final)

Cargo description, weight, packages, packing type, HS code

Timing

The ECTN number must be obtained before the carrier releases the original Bill of Lading. The certificate is typically issued within 1–2 working days; shippers are advised to start the application about three calendar days before the intended shipment.

Project flow

Complete the Application Form with vessel/voyage, ports, cargo description, HS code and weights.

Prepare supporting documents including the draft B/L, Commercial Invoice and Packing List.

Submit the documents for declaration to obtain the Togo ECTN draft.

Review the draft against the transport documents.

Receive the final Togo ECTN, normally within 1–2 working days.

B/L marking. The ECTN number must be shown on the Bill of Lading or related transport documents, and the number must match the ECTN on file.