Understanding the BESC Certificate Requirement for Shipments to African Countries
BESC Certificate also known as an ECTN or BSC is a mandatory shipping document for 25 African countries.
In recent years, the requirement for a Bordereau d’Identification Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons (BESC), also known as the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), has become increasingly prevalent for shipments to various African countries. This certification process is a crucial aspect of international trade that ensures efficient tracking, monitoring, and verification of cargo, while also facilitating the smooth processing of shipments upon their arrival. This article delves into the purpose of the BESC certificate, its importance, the countries that require it, and how traders can comply with these regulations.
What is the BESC Certificate?
The BESC certificate is a mandatory document for all shipments to certain African countries. It serves as a pre-shipment verification tool that provides detailed information about the cargo, including its origin, destination, and detailed description. The BESC is designed to improve customs clearance efficiency, enhance security measures, and prevent fraud and smuggling by ensuring that all cargo is accurately accounted for before arrival at the destination port.
Importance of the BESC Certificate
The implementation of the BESC certificate comes with several benefits for both the shipping industry and the destination countries. For the shipping industry, it streamlines the customs clearance process, reducing waiting times and associated demurrage charges. For destination countries, it provides a reliable means of tracking incoming shipments, which is essential for customs control, national security, and economic planning.
Countries Requiring the BESC Certificate
Even though the name varies according to the country they all require the same BESC Certificate. Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Chad, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, and Togo. Each country has its specific guidelines and procedures for obtaining the BESC certificate, making it essential for exporters to verify the requirements with the relevant authorities or their shipping agents.
Obtaining a BESC Certificate
The process for obtaining a BESC certificate generally involves the following steps:
Application: Exporters must apply for the BESC certificate through authorized agents such as GetCTN.
Documentation: Submit all required documents, which typically include a bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice (if applicable), and the export customs declaration.
Verification and Payment: The submitted documents are verified by the issuing authority, which then calculates the fees based on the cargo's value and other parameters. Once the payment is made, the BESC certificate is issued.
Submission: The BESC certificate must be submitted to the relevant authorities or shipping lines as part of the shipping documents.
Challenges and Compliance
While the BESC certification process is intended to facilitate trade and enhance security, it can present challenges for exporters unfamiliar with the specific requirements and procedures of each country. Delays and additional costs can arise from errors in application or non-compliance. To mitigate these issues, exporters are advised to seek guidance from experienced shipping agents or consult directly with the issuing authorities well in advance of their shipment dates.
Conclusion
The BESC certificate is a vital component of the shipping process to certain African countries, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of customs clearance and improving security measures. By understanding and complying with the specific requirements of each destination country, exporters can ensure a smoother, more efficient shipping process, contributing to stronger trade relationships and economic growth in the region.