Central Africa · CCC document Congo ECTN Certificate
To import goods into the Republic of Congo you need an ECTN certificate. Submit the required documents to sck@scktr.com.
Required Documents — Congo ECTN
Congo ECTN — short explainer
Congo ECTN: full requirements
Last Updated: 18 December 2025 – Regulations are subject to change.
To ensure a smooth customs clearance process at destination ports, shippers are advised to initiate the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN/URN) application as soon as the Bill of Lading is obtained.
The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a country located in Central Africa. It is bordered by Gabon to the west, Cameroon to the northwest, the Central African Republic to the northeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the southeast, and Angola to the south. The capital and largest city is Brazzaville. The official language is French and the population is around 5 million. The Republic of Congo has a diverse culture with influences from the indigenous tribes, European colonizers, and the African diaspora.
Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading (BL) serves as the primary cargo receipt for all maritime shipments bound for Pointe Noire.
- The URN number generated during the ECTN validation must eventually be included on the manifest.
Commercial Invoice
All items shipped must be backed by a clear commercial transaction document showing value breakdowns.
- HS codes must be listed for all cargo categories.
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.
Regulations are subject to change, we recommend confirming the latest country-specific requirements with our team via email.
What a validated Congo ECTN looks like
A certificate 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.
Congo ECTN: the complete guide
Issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply — in one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for the Congo ECTN?
What is the URN and where does it go?
What is the GUOT document?
What must the Commercial Invoice include?
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.
Also shipping to other African ports?
Each destination has its own cargo tracking note. We handle them all under one roof.
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