Gambia CTN Certificate — The Complete Guide
How the Gambia CTN certificate works: issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply.
This guide covers the CTN certificate for shipments to Gambia — who issues it, which documents it needs, how the application runs and what the validation rules are. For the country procedure page, see Gambia CTN.
Overview
The CTN — Cargo Tracking Note (CTN / BSC) — is the cargo tracking certificate required for shipments to Gambia. Requirement status: Mandatory.
Sample CTN certificate
A Gambia CTN 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
- Banjul
Required documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Customs 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 CTN 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 CTN 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 few days
- Validity: One validated CTN 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. Starting 15th May 2023, all shipments (including in-transit) to the Gambia must acquire a CTN Certificate. The CTN reference number must be inserted in the bill of lading goods description field and in the shipment reference field.
Non-compliance. Freights not covered by a loading certificate will be penalized at the destination port, and the shipper is responsible for the loss.
Frequently asked questions
How can you get a Gambia CTN Certificate?
Submit PDF copies of the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice, and Customs Declaration via sck@scktr.com. Application can be made with a draft Bill of Lading, but the original is needed for validation.
How long does it take to get approval?
A draft is issued in a day if all documents are complete, and approval for verification is usually received in a day, though the process may take about a week.
Can I use the same CTN number for various shipments?
No, the CTN/ECTN is unique and limited to a single shipment. Every cargo needs its own verified number.
Ready to file? Apply for a CTN certificate or go back to the Gambia CTN procedure page. All country guides: Country guides.