Cameroon BESC - ECTN India

Cameroon BESC Certificate

A mandatory document for all shipments to ports in Cameroon.
Planning to ship goods to Cameroon? The Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons (BESC) is a required loading document for all shipments entering Cameroon. Failing to present the BESC could result in severe penalties, including substantial fines. Ensure that you have the necessary documentation before your shipment arrives to avoid delays or additional charges. Contact us today to guarantee a smooth shipping process.

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What is the Cameroon BESC Certificate?

As per a ministerial decree, all cargo heading to ports in Cameroon—whether Douala, Kribi, Limbe, or others—must be accompanied by a BESC certificate. This certificate ensures that the cargo complies with local laws and confirms its legitimacy. The shipper or freight forwarder must obtain the BESC waiver certificate from an authorized representative. Without it, shipments will be prohibited from entering Cameroon as it is a legal requirement.

Certificate Requirements

Which documents are needed for the Cameroon BESC?

The following documents are mandatory for obtaining a BESC certificate for Cameroon:

Bill of lading
Commercial invoice
Freight invoice (if the freight cost is not included in the commercial invoice)
Import declaration

To begin the certification process, send PDF versions of the required documents to info@ectnindia.com. Hard copies are not required for BESC certification. Please ensure the documents are final and do not need revisions, as penalty fees will be applied if changes are needed after validation.

Easy Submission

Send your shipping documents directly to us via email—no portal or sign-up needed.

Quick Verification

We carefully review your documents to ensure they meet all destination country rules and provide you the ECTN draft.

Local Payment

Once verified, you’ll receive a payment link. Pay easily and safely online.

ECTN Delivered

Your validated ECTN certificate is issued and sent to your email—fast and ready for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to approve the BESC certificate?

Once all necessary documentation is submitted, an initial draft of the BESC certificate will be provided. After your approval and payment, the certificate will be submitted to Cameroonian authorities for approval. This process usually takes a few days, but it is advised to allow up to a week for planning purposes. No BESC certificate is required for freight transiting through Cameroon.

What is an Import Declaration (I.D.)?

An Import Declaration is an exclusive document issued by the importer in Cameroon for taxation purposes. It includes details such as “Transaction ID: (P.R. Code),” “Taxpayer ID: (N° Contribuable),” and “D.I. No (SGS).” For shipments after December 15, 2016, this document is required. The importer can obtain it from the Single Window (Guichet Unique) at Douala port. This system has been set up by a presidential order to streamline the import process. To establish the BESC, the import declaration number must be linked, and failure to do so may cause issues at the port of Douala.

Should I obtain BESC for shipments from Cameroon to Chad?

If your cargo is only passing through Cameroon on its way to Chad, you only need the ECTN certificate for Chad, not the BESC.

Why isn’t the SGS number shown on the Cameroon BESC certificate?

The SGS number is submitted in the application but is not displayed on the final BESC certificate. This is simply how the Cameroonian government has structured the BESC process. You can view the SGS number on the draft certificate.

Can I use the same BESC certificate for multiple shipments?

Each BESC certificate is unique and can only be used for a single shipment. A new certificate must be obtained for each shipment.

Do I need a BESC certificate for air shipments to Cameroon?

Yes, even for air shipments, the BESC waiver form is required before sending goods to Cameroon. However, the application is not complete until the shipment arrives.

Can I make changes to a BESC document that has already been approved?

Yes, the Cameroon BESC certificate can be amended even after it has been approved.

The ECTN system is a critical requirement for cargo entering many African ports. It enhances shipment tracking, reduces customs delays, and supports secure, transparent trade operations across the continent.

ECTN India is your trusted partner—committed to helping Indian businesses trade smoothly and confidently with Africa.