Angola CNCA / ARCCLA Certificate Requirement

Mandatory Loading Certificate for Angola-Bound Shipments

Issued before cargo loading, the CNCA / ARCCLA certificate enables Angolan customs authorities to monitor inbound cargo, enforce import controls, and ensure regulatory compliance prior to vessel arrival.

As an agent, SCK Representation supports exporters, freight forwarders, and logistics companies with accurate CNCA / ARCCLA processing, ensuring compliant documentation and timely issuance of reference numbers for Angola-bound shipments.

How long does it take to get approval for an ARCCLA / CNCA certificate?

The approval process for CNCA / ARCCLA applications takes place in our Istanbul office and typically concludes within a few days of application completion, depending on authority approval.

If complete and accurate documents are provided, the issuance process may be reduced to as little as one business day.

Below is a sample ARCCLA (Agência Reguladora de Certificação de Cargas e Logística de Angola) document, provided for reference to illustrate the required format and content for submission.

Sample ARCCLA Document

Required Documents for Angola ARCCLA / CNCA

To obtain a CNCA / ARCCLA certificate, the following documents are required:

• Bill of Lading

• Commercial Invoice

• Freight Invoice (if the freight amount is not stated on the commercial invoice)

• Application Form (can also be completed by us on your behalf)

• D.U. – Documento Único (Import License), mandatory since 10/02/2015

All documents must be sent by email in a clear and legible format.

What is a D.U. document?

The D.U. (Documento Único) is an import license issued by the relevant ministry in Angola.

The importer provides a D.U. document for each shipment, and it must be obtained before applying for a CNCA / ARCCLA certificate.

Sample Angola D.U. Document

Who must obtain the CNCA / ARCCLA?

Responsibility for obtaining the CNCA / ARCCLA certificate rests with the shipper or exporter, or their authorized freight forwarder.

Carriers may refuse to load cargo if a valid CNCA / ARCCLA reference number is not issued and confirmed before vessel departure.

When must the CNCA be issued?

The CNCA / ARCCLA must be issued and validated before cargo loading at the port of origin.

Late or post-departure applications are generally not accepted and may result in fines, shipment delays, or refusal of cargo clearance at destination.

Is a CNCA / ARCCLA certificate required for shipments to Angola?

Yes. A CNCA / ARCCLA certificate is mandatory for all sea freight shipments destined to Angola, including:

• Containerized cargo

• Breakbulk cargo

• Vehicles

• Machinery

• Project cargo

Failure to obtain a valid CNCA / ARCCLA prior to shipment may result in penalties, delays, or refusal of cargo at Angolan ports.

What Is CNCA?

Since 28 January 1994, in accordance with Decree No. 19/94, all commercial exports to Angola must be accompanied by a CNCA certificate (Conselho Nacional de Carregadores), which serves as a mandatory Loading Certificate (LC).

What is the difference between ARCCLA and CNCA certificates?

There is no difference in function or validity. CNCA and ARCCLA refer to the same mandatory loading certificate for Angola.

Following an institutional restructuring within Angolan government bodies, CNCA was renamed ARCCLA (Agência Reguladora de Certificação de Cargas e Logística de Angola).

Both terms remain in use and are accepted interchangeably by Angolan customs authorities.

Who Issues the Angola Loading Certificate?

For shipments originating from Türkiye, SCK Representation is the authorized agency for issuing the Angola Loading Certificate, also referred to as the Angola Cargo Tracking Note.

By working with SCK Representation’s expert consultants and Angola authority specialists, the issuance of the loading certificate typically takes between 1 and 5 business days, depending on authority approval.

We are fully aware of the serious issues that delays in CNCA documentation may cause. For this reason, we aim to prevent additional overtime charges or shipment disruptions by ensuring accurate submission from the outset.

Angola Vehicle Import Regulations

According to regulations set by the Angolan Government, every importer must obtain a vehicle authorization certificate from ANTT (Agência Nacional dos Transportes Terrestres).

This requirement applies to both new and used vehicles, provided that:

• Passenger vehicles are not older than 5 years

• Heavy vehicles are not older than 8 years

Is It Legal to Export a 1988 Tractor to Angola?

Yes. Angolan authorities have not imposed any age restrictions on heavy-duty vehicles imported into the country.

Can Changes Be Made to a Pre-Validated CNCA Certificate for Angola?

This depends on the country of loading. In some cases, changes may be possible; however, all amendments require authorization from the Angola office.

Revalidation with corrected information may take several weeks. For this reason, validating the CNCA / ARCCLA certificate with accurate details from the outset is strongly recommended.

Do Temporary Shipments to Angola Require a D.U.?

Temporary cargo shipments to Angola do not require a D.U. document.

However, the shipment must be clearly identified as temporary on the commercial invoice or the Bill of Lading.

Can the Same CNCA / ARCCLA Number Be Used for Different Shipments?

No. Each CNCA / ARCCLA number is unique to a single shipment.

Every shipment must have its own individually validated CNCA / ARCCLA number.