Madagascar BSC Certificate — The Complete Guide
How the Madagascar BSC certificate works: issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply.
This guide covers the BSC certificate for shipments to Madagascar — who issues it, which documents it needs, how the application runs and what the validation rules are. For the country procedure page, see Madagascar BSC.
Overview
The BSC — Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison (Cargo Tracking Note) — is the cargo tracking certificate required for shipments to Madagascar. Requirement status: Mandatory.
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 BSC 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 BSC 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 BSC 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. Acquire the BSC at least 3 days before declaration submission, with submission required 5 days before the vessel arrives in Customs territory.
Non-compliance. Non-compliance means cargo will be returned to its origin. Once validated, the Madagascar BSC cannot be revised in any way.
Frequently asked questions
How can you get a Madagascar BSC certificate?
Submit PDF copies of the Bill of Lading (draft accepted, original needed for validation), Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice (unless freight value is on the Commercial Invoice), Packing List, and Customs Declaration via sck@scktr.com. Importers and exporters must also be registered on the BSC system and give their account number with the application.
How long does it take to get approval?
The draft is issued within a day if documents are complete and coherent, and verification approval is usually received in a day, but the full process may take about a week as approvals are handled in Antananarivo.
Can I make amendments to a validated Madagascar BSC?
No. Once validated, the BSC cannot be revised in any way; you would need to explain the reason for the change at the destination customs.
Can I use the same BSC number for various shipments?
No. The BSC is unique and limited to a single shipment; every cargo needs its own verified BSC number.
Are there any exemptions for cargo to Madagascar?
A CTN/BSC certificate is not required for shipments to Madagascar valued at less than 100 EUR.
Ready to file? Apply for a BSC certificate or go back to the Madagascar BSC procedure page. All country guides: Country guides.