All shipments to and from Cameroon (except cargo in transit and/or in transshipment) must be covered by an “ELECTRONIC CARGO TRACKING NOTE (ECTN) / BORDEREAU ELECTRONIQUE DE SUIVI DES CARGAISON (BESC)”, also known as a cargo waiver. Corresponding cargo without an approved ECTN/BESC constitutes an offense against existing regulations and entails severe penalties from the authorities in Cameroon. The corresponding number of this certificate must be noted in the cargo documents (bill of lading and cargo manifest).
Required documents and information:
- Copy bill of lading, correctly dated
- Commercial invoice, with separately stated FOB goods value and ocean freight costs (otherwise an additional ocean freight invoice or ocean freight declaration is required)
- NIF number (to be provided by the importer)
- Export Customs Declaration
- Contact data Shipper and Consignee (phone, email)
Special requirements for RORO vehicles:
Effective 1st May, 2025: in addition to the standard documents, proof of registration in the Importers/Exporters File (FIMEX) or a valid Special Import Authorisation will be required.
Shippers can continue to initiate their ECTN requests from the port of loading. A draft ECTN will be provided initially. However, the validated ECTN will only be issued once the required FIMEX registration or Special Import Authorisation is submitted.
This allows you to launch your request in advance and avoid delays caused by regularisation procedures.