Chad BESC/ECTN requirement

Under a Chadian decree effective 1 April 2013, all cargo transhipped through Douala, Kribi, Port Sudan or Lagos into Chad must hold a Chad BESC/ECTN. From 1 January 2026, cargo arriving at the discharge port with a BESC obtained only at destination — and not covered by a valid BESC issued at origin — is subject to a penalty of 100% of the BESC fee.

Certificate name

BESC (ECTN) — Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. Issued electronically.

Scope

All sea cargo transhipped via Douala, Kribi, Port Sudan or Lagos into Chad: FCL, LCL, break-bulk and RoRo, including general goods and dangerous goods. Loading port is not restricted. No exemption.

Data required

BESC Application Form

Bill of Lading copy

Commercial Invoice copy

Freight Invoice (required for FOB terms)

Timing

The BESC must be issued before the carrier releases the original Bill of Lading, and must be effective before the vessel calls the destination port. Standard issuance is generally 1–2 working days.

Project flow

Complete the Application Form with vessel, voyage, POL, POD, issue date, cargo description, HS code and weight.

Prepare the draft B/L (vessel, voyage, container number, B/L number, seal number) and the Commercial Invoice.

Submit the documents for declaration; the Chad ECTN number and draft are generated.

Review the draft against the transport documents.

Receive the final Chad BESC/ECTN electronically.

Pre-shipment rule. The BESC must cover the entire transport leg from loading. Post-shipment issuance is subject to a 100% penalty under the new rule effective 1 January 2026.