In accordance with Decree No. 00557 issued by the Republic of Cameroon on July 11, 2006, all cargo destined for the Port of Douala, Cameroon, must obtain an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN/BESC). Failure to apply for the ECTN will be considered a violation of Cameroonian regulations, resulting in severe penalties at the destination port. Non-compliance may also lead to the carrier’s inability to issue a Bill of Lading (B/L) at the origin port or the consignee’s inability to clear customs.

Applicable Port: DOUALA, CAMEROUN-ECTN/BESC

Cameroon ECTN/BESC Application Process

Required Documents:

1. ECTN Application Form

2. Draft Bill of Lading (B/L Copy)

3. Commercial Invoice (stamped and signed)

4. Freight Invoice (stamped and signed; required for EXW/FOB terms where freight is not included in the commercial invoice)

Key Notes:

• The ECTN must be processed before the carrier issues the original B/L.

• The approved ECTN (in PDF format) will be emailed to the applicant, who must forward it to the consignee and carrier.

• The final ECTN must be issued within 18 working days after the vessel’s departure. No amendments are allowed once issued.

• For cargo transiting through Douala to a third country, the third country’s ECTN may be applied for directly if the B/L shows third-party transit details.

• Effective January 1, 2017: A Transaction ID (8 characters) and Tax Payer’s Number (14 characters) must be provided for all ECTN applications (except used vehicles).

Example:

Transaction ID: PR000236

Tax Payer’s No.: M010700021805Q