Shipping to many African countries requires a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN), also known as a waiver certificate. Without this mandatory document, your cargo can be blocked from clearance at the destination port, causing costly delays. At Freight Agency, our specialist team handles CTN documentation efficiently and accurately, ensuring your shipments to Africa move smoothly through customs.

What is a CTN?

A CTN also called a waiver, BESC, BSC, ECTN, or FERI depending on the destination country is a validated document required by many African nations to control and track imports. The certificate contains full details about your shipment including exporter and importer information, shipping method (FCL, LCL, breakbulk, or RoRo), complete cargo description and value, vessel name and voyage details, and all freight charges.

For most destinations, the CTN must be issued before departure from the loading port. Shipments arriving without a valid CTN will be blocked by local customs, resulting in expensive storage fees and delayed delivery to your customer.

Countries Requiring CTN:

We process CTN documentation for all 24 African countries that require this certification: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Togo.

Our CTN Services:

We validate and issue your CTN within 24 hours of receiving complete documentation. Our established relationships with issuing authorities ensure rapid turnaround, even for urgent shipments. Not sure what information is required? Our specialists guide you through the process, ensuring all documentation is correct the first time and preventing costly resubmissions.

CTN requirements vary by destination, and we stay current with the latest regulations for each country to prevent delays. We offer transparent, competitive rates for all CTN documentation services with no hidden fees. We coordinate CTN processing with your ocean freight shipment, ensuring everything is ready before your cargo sails.

With our own office in Ghana and decades of experience shipping to African ports, we understand regional documentation requirements better than anyone. Documentation errors cause delays and extra costs; our specialists verify every detail to ensure accuracy and compliance before submission.

We will remind you when documentation is needed and keep you updated throughout the process, providing proactive communication that prevents last-minute rushes. Our deep knowledge of UK export procedures, international customs regulations, and destination-specific requirements ensures smooth clearance.

Direct connections with customs authorities, issuing bodies, and regulatory organisations mean faster processing and fewer complications. Our integrated documentation services work seamlessly with our ocean freight, air freight, and road haulage operations, streamlining your entire shipping process and reducing administrative burden.