Congo ECTN Certificate — The Complete Guide
How the Congo ECTN certificate works: issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply.
This guide covers the ECTN certificate for shipments to Congo — who issues it, which documents it needs, how the application runs and what the validation rules are. For the country procedure page, see Congo ECTN.
Overview
The ECTN — Electronic Cargo Tracking Note — is the cargo tracking certificate required for shipments to Congo. It is issued by CCC. Requirement status: Mandatory.
Sample ECTN certificate
A Congo ECTN 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
- Pointe Noire
Required documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Export Customs Declaration
- GUOT Document
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 ECTN 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 ECTN 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: A draft copy is issued in a day if all mandatory documents are provided and coherent; as all permissions are handled in the main office in Pointe-Noire, the process may take a bit longer.
- Validity: One validated ECTN 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.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for the Congo ECTN?
Shippers are advised to initiate the ECTN/URN application as soon as the Bill of Lading is obtained, to ensure a smooth customs clearance process at destination ports.
What is the URN and where does it go?
The URN number is generated during the ECTN validation and must eventually be included on the manifest.
What is the GUOT document?
The GUOT (Guichet Unique des Opérations Transfrontalières) reference is required for all import declarations in the Republic of Congo. The importer must supply the GUOT number to the shipper before the ECTN can be finalized.
What must the Commercial Invoice include?
HS codes must be listed for all cargo categories on the commercial invoice.
How long does it take to get approval?
A draft copy of the certificate will be issued in a day if all mandatory documents are provided and coherent. The certificate will be submitted for validation once we receive your confirmation on the draft and the payment. The approval for verification is usually received in a day. However, as all the permissions are handled in the main office in Pointe-Noire, the process may take a bit longer.
Are there any additional requirements for the issuance of a BSC certificate?
As indicated earlier, the documents must be issued with the above details and presented to complete the validation process. The GUOT document with TI-xxxxx code needs to be presented for the application of the ECTN certificate. The importer should also issue a GUOT document with the DI code. However, there is no need or function for the ECTN process. This requirement, mentioned above, must be fulfilled to validate the certificate. For more information and document samples, please contact our team via sck@scktr.com.
What’s the difference between a T.I. and a URN number?
T.I. is a component of the GUOT document, which serves as an import declaration in the Republic of Congo. Therefore, to apply for ECTN, a supporting document called the T.I. is necessary. The URN number is a reference number for the Republic of Congo’s ECTN certificate. It is printed on the ECTN certificate that has been verified.
Can I apply for the Republic of Congo ECTN if the container has been put on board?
You may apply for an ECTN certificate for the Republic of Congo after you leave. Please note that if the certificate is not validated within 5 days after the onboard date, authorities will assess a penalty in addition to the certificate fees. 50% of the price of the original certificate is the fine.
Are the procedures different between the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Yes, they are two different countries, and their systems are different.
What are DI and T.I. documents in GUOT? Which one is needed for the ECTN?
GUOT has two documents: TI (Transport d’importation) and Douane d’importation (DI). The importer in the Republic of Congo is required to issue both certifications. The applicant must submit just T.I. (Transport d’importation) to receive an ECTN certificate. On the GUOT paperwork and the invoice, the goods value and freight value must match.
Can I use the same ECTN number for various shipments?
No, ECTN is unique and limited to a single shipment. Every cargo needs its own ECTN number that has been verified.
Ready to file? Apply for a ECTN certificate or go back to the Congo ECTN procedure page. All country guides: Country guides.