Cameroon BESC Certificate — The Complete Guide
How the Cameroon BESC certificate works: issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply.
This guide covers the BESC certificate for shipments to Cameroon — who issues it, which documents it needs, how the application runs and what the validation rules are. For the country procedure page, see Cameroon BESC.
Overview
The BESC — Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) — is the cargo tracking certificate required for shipments to Cameroon. Requirement status: Mandatory.
Sample BESC certificate
A Cameroon BESC we filed, with the customer fields masked. Use it to check the layout, where the authority stamp sits and where the reference number is printed.
Discharge ports
- Douala
- Kribi
Required documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Import Declaration
Application process
1. Send your documents
Share PDF copies of the required documents via sck@scktr.com, or upload them through the application form. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of BESC certificates.
2. Draft is prepared
Once complete, consistent documents arrive, a draft is prepared for your confirmation. A file specialist checks the shipment details against the documents before anything is filed.
3. Confirm the draft
Check every field on the draft — consignee, ports, weights, values and container references. Final documents must be submitted without further amendments; corrections after validation are charged separately.
4. Filing and validation
The confirmed file is submitted to the issuing authority for validation. The BESC number is issued at validation, so it cannot be shown on documents prepared before that point.
5. Certificate delivered
The validated certificate is sent to you and can accompany the cargo to the destination port.
Timeline
- Processing time: Usually a few days, but up to one week should be expected for planning purposes.
- Validity: One validated BESC per Bill of Lading.
The exact cut-off depends on the destination and the vessel schedule; confirm the deadline for your shipment with our team before filing.
Special rules
Validation deadline. The BESC must be validated at least 48 hours before the vessel arrives. Shippers are advised to initiate the application as soon as the Bill of Lading is obtained.
Non-compliance. Cargo arriving without a validated BESC is subject to penalties, port delays and cargo blocking. Amendments made after validation are also subject to a penalty fee.
Frequently asked questions
When should the BESC application be initiated?
Shippers are advised to initiate the BESC application as soon as the Bill of Lading is obtained, to ensure a smooth customs clearance process at the destination ports.
What must the Bill of Lading show?
The Bill of Lading serves as the primary cargo receipt for shipments bound for Douala or Kribi, and the vessel departure date must be clearly printed. The BESC must be validated at least 48 hours before the vessel arrives.
How must freight costs appear on the commercial invoice?
The commercial invoice must show value breakdowns, and freight costs must be shown separately if the shipment is CFR or CIF. A separate freight invoice is required when the freight amount is not stated on the commercial invoice.
Why is the import declaration required?
The import declaration is issued in Cameroon by the importer for taxation purposes and carries the Transaction ID (P.R. Code), the tax number (N° Contribuable) and the D.I. number (SGS). If it is not linked to the BESC, the shipment can run into serious problems at customs.
What extra document do RoRo vehicle shipments need?
As of 1 May 2025, RoRo vehicle shipments must also present either a FIMEX (importer/exporter registration document) or a valid special import permit.
How long does it take to get approval?
Once all required documents are submitted, a draft BESC certificate is shared for confirmation. After confirmation and payment, the certificate is submitted to Cameroon authorities for approval. This process usually takes a few days, but up to one week should be expected for planning purposes.
Can the same BESC number be used for multiple shipments?
No.Each BESC number is unique and applies to one shipment only.
Ready to file? Apply for a BESC certificate or go back to the Cameroon BESC procedure page. All country guides: Country guides.