WAIVER/ECTN
Mandatory Waiver/ECTN
We offer you a professional and easy handling through the required steps to enable you getting the correct certificate.
A Waiver document is also known as: CTN (Cargo Tracking Note), ECTN, BESC, BIETC, BSC, CEE, CNCA or FERI.
How to get a waiver/ECTN, please choose your country and you will find an overview of required documents in order to get a validated waiver /ECTN.
For rates or service please contact waiver@gtnavigation.com
Find Waiver/ECTN information
Angola
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Draft B/L is allowed)
- Commercial invoice incl. freight charges in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed when freight amount is mentioned on the invoice)
- DU document (Documento Único Provisório) provided by importer
- ETD & ETA
- H.S. Code (8 digits) also mentioned on DU form
- Country of Origin of the cargo
Additional information:
A CNCA number cannot be created on forehand. A CNCA number will be available together with the draft CNCA document. It is not needed to mention the CNCA number on the Master Bill of Lading and manifest of the carrier. Once the draft CNCA document is approved an original CNCA document will be generated at the responsible authority. The CNCA document can only be used when it is signed, dated and stamped by the Angolan Authority. In case of a partial shipment the DU document must be signed and stamped by MINCO in Angola. Angola CNCA document is also better known as Cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document.
For the import of vehicles to Angola the following age restrictions apply:
6 years for light vehicles
10 years for heavy vehicles
Benin
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L is needed for validation)
- Packing list
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight amount in the same currency
- Export Customs Document
- Country of origin
- ETD
Additional information:
BESC number must be mentioned on the Master Bill of Lading and manifest of the carrier. We are able to provide the BESC number on forehand, even when the documentation is incomplete. The BESC number must be forwarded to the carrier. Benin BESC document is also known as Cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document. Please be aware that a waiver document is needed for these countries.
When your cargo is in transit through Benin you will need a BESC document as well.
Burkina Faso
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Draft B/L is allowed)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Export customs document
- Packing list
- Pink slip/Grey card (for all imported vehicles) – (Compulsory for second hand cars only, new cars excluded)
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Phone number and email address of consignee
- ETD & ETA
- Transshipment information from transshipment port
- H.S. code
Additional information:
For Burkina Faso it is mandatory to mention the ECTN number on the Master Bill of Lading. We are able to provide the ECTN number on forehand, even when the documentation is incomplete. Burkina Faso ECTN document is also known as cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document.
Burundi
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for Burundi on forehand. Once the draft ECTN document is approved, we can submit the ECTN document for pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the Burundi ECTN document we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN document should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the Burundi ECTN will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. Burundi ECTN document is also known as cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document.
Cameroon
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Draft B/L is allowed)
- Transaction number starting with PRxxxxxx (provided by importer)
- NIF number (provided by importer)
- SGS import license number
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Phone number and email address of shipper and consignee
- ETD & ETA
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
Although it is not mandatory to mention a BESC number for Cameroon on the Master Bill of Lading, the policy of each Shipping line can be different. Please contact your shipping line to verify if a BESC number is required on the Master Bill of Lading. The Cameroon BESC number will be provided after validation. Cameroon BESC document is also known as cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document.
Central African Republic (CAR)
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for Central African Republic on forehand. Once the draft ECTN document is approved, we can submit the ECTN document for pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the ECTN document we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN document should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the ECTN document will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. Central African Republic ECTN document is also known as Cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document.
Chad
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed when freight amount is mentioned on invoice)
- E-mail address from Shipper and Consignee
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
The CTN for Chad must be validated within 5 days from vessel’s departure. We are not able to create a BESC number for Chad on forehand. Chad BESC document is also known as Cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document.
Congo
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Draft B/L is allowed)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- GUOT (Guichet Unique des Opérations Transfrontaliers) document / provided by importer
- Phone number and email address of consignee
- ETD & ETA
- H.S. code
Additional information:
It is not possible to create an ECTN number for Congo on forehand. The ECTN number will be provided after validation of the ECTN document. For Congo it is not mandatory to mention an ECTN number on the Master Bill of Lading. ECTN document for Congo is also being called as Cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document. Avoid additional costs! The costs of the ECTN document will increase by 50% in the event of non-compliance with the regulations in force. More than often the application of the ECTN document is not in compliance with the regulations set by the Congolese Shipper Council. For that reason, they decided to increase the costs for an ECTN document by 50% in case a validation is requested beyond three (3) calendar days after departure of the vessel.
Ivory Coast
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L needed for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- D.I. (Fiche de Declaration a l’Importation) document provided by importer
- Local insurance certificate provided by importer
- Export Customs Document including Statistical Value (mandatory)
- Country of Origin of the goods must be mentioned on commercial invoice or packing list
- Certificate of Origin (only in case the goods origin is Outside E.U.)
- Volume of the goods in case of Breakbulk or RORO shipment
Additional information:
The BSC number must be mentioned on the Master Bill of Lading. We are able to provide the BSC number on forehand, even when the documentation is incomplete. This BSC number must be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the final B/L.
Democratic Republic Congo (DRC)
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Phone number and email address from shipper and consignee
- ETD & ETA
- Transshipment details like; vessel name, voyage no, ETA, ETS, transshipment port(s)
- H.S. code
- FXI or FSI number provided by importer
Additional information:
For Democratic Republic of the Congo it is mandatory to mention a FERI number on the original Master Bill of Lading. It is not possible to create a FERI number for Democratic Republique of the Congo on forehand. The FERI number will be provided after approval of the FERI document. A FERI document for Democratic Republic of the Congo is also being called as Cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document.
Djibouti
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight charges in the same currency as mentioned on the commercial invoice
Additional information:
According to law, as of June 15 2023, all shipments that will be unloaded in Djibouti must have a ECTN certificate. Shipments that are in transit are excluded from this rule.
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea:
- Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Phone number from shipper and consignee
- ETD + ETA
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for to Equatorial Guinea on forehand. Once the draft ECTN is approved, we can submit the ECTN document for pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the ECTN document we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN document should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the ECTN document will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. An ECTN document for Equatorial Guinea is also being called as Cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document.
Gabon
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (copy original is needed in some cases, depending on the POL)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not required in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Phone number from shipper and consignee
- Export Customs Document
- ETD & ETA
- H.S. code
- Country of Origin
Additional information:
The BIETC number must be transmitted to the shipping line before loading! We can provide the BIETC number on forehand, even without any documentation! Please send your application a.s.a.p. A BIETC document for Gabon is also being called as Cargo Tracking Note, CTN or Waiver document. All documents must be complete before the vessel has left the Port of Loading. Applications sent after sailing cannot be accepted or validated!
A (pre) validated BIETC should be completed within:
10 calendar days after sailing for shipments with departure Europe
5 calendar days after sailing for shipments with departure Africa
15 calendar days after sailing for shipments with departure America, Asia and Oceania
Gambia
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- The FOB value and statistical needs to be the same, with the exception of a triangular sale.
- Freight charges in the same currency as mentioned on the commercial invoice
- Export Customs document
- H.S. code
- ETD + ETA
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create a CTN number for Gambia on forehand.
Although it is not mandatory to mention a CTN number for Gambia on the Master Bill of Lading, the policy of each Shipping line can be different. Please contact your Shipping line to verify if a CTN number is required. The CTN number will be provided after validation.
The CTN for Gambia must be validated 5 days before the vessel arrival!
Ghana
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L incl. CTN number for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EUR
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed if the freight amount is mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- ETD + ETA
- Country of origin of the goods
- Email address consignee and shipper
- Phone number consignee and shipper
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for Ghana on forehand. Once the draft ECTN is approved, we can submit the ECTN for Pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the ECTN we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the ECTN will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account.
Guinea
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for Guinea on forehand. Once the draft ECTN is approved, we can submit the ECTN for pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the ECTN we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the ECTN will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. An ECTN document for Guinea is also being called as CTN, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Guinea-Bissau
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (draft B/L is allowed)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- H.S. code
- Phone number from shipper and consignee
- ETD + ETA
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
For Guinee-Bissau it is not mandatory to mention a CEE number on the Master Bill of Lading. It is not possible to create a CEE number for Guinea-Bissau on forehand. The CEE number will be provided after validation of the CEE document. A CEE document for Guinea-Bissau is also being called as CTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Liberia
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading – final Bill of Lading (OBL) for validation
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- The FOB value and statistical needs to be the same, with the exception of a triangular sale
- Freight charges in the same currency as mentioned on the commercial invoice
- Export Customs Document
- ETD & ETA
Additional information:
We are not able to create a CTN number for Liberia on forehand. Currently it is not possible to create a draft CTN document! Right after creation of the CTN document it will be submitted for validation. Although it is not mandatory to mention a CTN number for Liberia on the Master Bill of Lading, the policy of each Shipping line can be different. Please contact your Shipping line to verify if a CTN number is required. The CTN number will be provided after validation. The CTN document for Liberia must be validated 5 days before the vessels arrival! A CTN document for Liberia is also being called as ECTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Libya
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for Libya on forehand. Once the draft ECTN is approved, we can submit the ECTN document for pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This ECTN number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required B/L number. For validation of the ECTN document we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN document should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the ECTN document will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. An ECTN document for Libya is also being called as CTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Madagascar
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L needed for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs Document
- Country of Origin of the goods must be mentioned on commercial invoice or packing list
- Volume of the goods in case of Breakbulk or RORO shipment
Additional information:
The BSC number must be mentioned on the Master Bill of Lading. We are able to provide the BSC number on forehand, even when the documentation is incomplete. This BSC number must be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the final B/L. A BSC document for Madagascar is also being called as CTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Mali
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Phone number from shipper and consignee
- ETD + ETA
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
It is not possible to create a BESC number for Mali on forehand. The BESC number will be provided after validation of the BESC document. For Mali it is not mandatory to mention a BESC number on the Master Bill of Lading. Goods in transit through Senegal with final destination Mali need a BESC document too! In that case you do not need an additional BSC document for Senegal. A BESC document for Mali is also being called as CTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Niger
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for Niger on forehand. Once the draft ECTN document is approved, we can submit the ECTN document for pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the ECTN document we need a copy of the original and final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN document should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the ECTN document will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. An ECTN document for Niger is also being called as CTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Senegal
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- H.S. code
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
A BSC document (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is required for all shipments going to Senegal. In case of transit cargo to other countries, it is not needed to create a BSC document for Senegal. We are not able to create a BSC number for Senegal on forehand. Once the draft BSC document is approved, we can submit the BSC document for pre-validation to get the BSC number. This BSC number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the BSC document we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated BSC document should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the BSC document will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. A BSC document for Senegal is also being called as CTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Sierra Leone
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading INCLUDING SHIPPED ON BOARD DATE & DATE OF ISSUE – FINAL BL NEEDED FOR VALIDATON
- Commercial invoice incl. incoterm / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Breakdown needs to be mentioned on commercial invoice = FOB + FREIGHTCHARGES
- (+INSURANCE IF APPLICABLE, DEPENDS ON INCOMTERM)
- The exporter and importer must be clearly stated on the commercial invoice
- The details of the importer must correspond with the BL, commercial invoice and export customs document
- ETD & ETA
- Custom document
Additional information:
We are not able to create a CTN number for Sierra Leone on forehand. Currently it is not possible to create a draft CTN document! Right after creation of the CTN document it will be submitted for validation. Although it is not mandatory to mention a CTN number for Sierra Leone on the Master Bill of Lading, the policy of each Shipping line can be different. Please contact your Shipping line to verify if a CTN number is required. The CTN number will be provided after validation. A CTN document for Sierra Leone is also being called as ECTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Somalia
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Draft B/L is allowed)
- Commercial invoice incl. freight charges in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed when freight amount is mentioned on the invoice
Additional information:
Importers must obtain an ECTN to unload any cargo at Somali ports. The ECTN document must be obtained from the port of loading by the shipper, carrier, exporter, freight forwarder or clearing agent. Goods without an ECTN number will not be loaded onto the vessel. The ECTN number must be written on the bill of lading. Shipments without ECTN documents arriving in Somali port will face huge penalties and fines. Shipments without ECTN documents are prohibited from entering Somali ports.
South Sudan
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L is allowed)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for South Sudan on forehand. Once the draft ECTN document is approved, we can submit the ECTN document for pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the ECTN document we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN document should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the ECTN document will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. An ECTN document for South Sudan is also being called as CTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.
Togo
Required documents:
- Bill of Lading (Final B/L for validation)
- Commercial invoice / currency must be mentioned in USD or EURO
- Freight invoice in the same currency (not needed in case the freight charges are mentioned on the commercial invoice)
- Export Customs document
- Country of Origin of the goods
Additional information:
We are not able to create an ECTN number for Togo on forehand. Once the draft ECTN document is approved, we can submit the ECTN document for pre-validation to get the ECTN number. This number can be transmitted to the shipping line in order to obtain the required BL number. For validation of the ECTN document we need the final Bill of Lading. A pre-validated ECTN should be completed and validated within 5 working days. If not, the ECTN document will be cancelled. All costs involved will be for the applicant’s account. An ECTN document for Togo is also being called as ECTN document, Cargo Tracking Note or Waiver document.