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ECTN & Cargo Tracking

Senegal ECTN (BESC) for Sea Cargo to Dakar and Transhipment to Mali

The new ECTN/BESC/BSC/CTN system applies in Senegal. All sea cargo to Dakar — including cargo transhipped onward to Mali — must hold a Senegal ECTN/BESC, with the number shown on the Bill of Lading.

Senegal ECTN/BESC requirement

Since 1 January 2019, Senegal operates the new ECTN/BESC/BSC/CTN system. All sea cargo to Dakar, as well as cargo transhipped via Dakar to inland destinations such as Mali, must be covered by a Senegal ECTN (French: BESC). The certificate number must be shown on the Bill of Lading.

Certificate name

ECTN (BESC / CTN) — Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. One number per Bill of Lading. Issued as an electronic PDF.

Scope

All sea cargo via Dakar, Banjul or Nouakchott: FCL, LCL, break-bulk and RoRo. Loading port is not restricted. Applies to traders, carriers and freight forwarders.

Data required

ECTN Application Form
Bill of Lading copy
Commercial Invoice copy (stamped)
Freight Invoice (required for FOB terms)

Timing

The ECTN must be issued before the vessel calls the destination port. Standard issuance is 1–2 working days.

Project flow

Complete the Application Form with vessel, voyage, POL, POD, issue date, packages, cargo description, HS code and weight.
Prepare the draft B/L (vessel, voyage, container number, B/L number, seal number), Commercial Invoice, freight invoice and Export Customs Declaration.
Submit the documents; the Senegal BESC draft and number are generated.
Review the draft against the transport documents.
Receive the final Senegal BESC electronically.
Incoterms and currency. For CIF terms, the Commercial Invoice must separately list cargo value, sea freight and insurance. For FOB terms, a freight invoice is required. The currency used across all value documents must be consistent, and the B/L, Commercial Invoice and ECTN must be 100% identical.