East Africa · Official cargo tracking document Madagascar BSC (ECTN) Certificate
The Madagascar BSC (Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison) must be acquired at least three days before declaration submission, which is due five days before the vessel reaches Customs territory.
Validate before the vessel sails
Acquire the BSC at least 3 days before declaration submission, with submission required 5 days before the vessel arrives in Customs territory.
No BSC = fines & demurrage
Non-compliance means cargo will be returned to its origin. Once validated, the Madagascar BSC cannot be revised in any way.
Required Documents - Madagascar BSC
Madagascar BSC - short explainer
Madagascar BSC: full requirements
Madagascar BSC - Loading Certificate
Importing to Madagascar requires a Madagascar BSC (Cargo Tracking Note), also called the Madagascar ECTN, before the cargo can be cleared without penalties. Send us the documents, or complete the form yourself, and we prepare and file the declaration. Processing typically takes a few days; allow a week when planning a shipment.
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Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. It is the fourth-largest island in the world and is known for its diverse wildlife, including lemurs, and its unique plants and culture. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo. The official languages are Malagasy and French, and the population is around 27 million.
For successful shipments to Madagascar, acquiring a BSC certificate at least 3 days before declaration submission is crucial, with submission required 5 days before the vessel arrives in Customs territory. Non-compliance means cargo will be returned to its origin.
Leveraging industry expertise and a solution-driven methodology, SCK Representation stands as the singular guide and aide for exporters needing to issue certificates, including the Madagascar BSC. Ensure smooth customs clearance by partnering with us for your certification needs.
Which documents are required for the Madagascar BSC certificate?
The following documents are required to issue the BSC:
- Bill of Lading (a draft copy opens the application; the original is needed for validation)
- Commercial Invoice (issued to the final consignee in Madagascar; Incoterm, payment method, origin and HS code must be stated for each item)
- Freight Invoice (not required if the freight value is stated on the commercial invoice)
- Packing List (container references with net and gross weight per container; shipper and consignee name and address must appear on the document)
- Customs Declaration
Send PDF copies to sck@scktr.com. Hard copies are not required. Share the final documents, because a validated certificate cannot be changed.
BSC Madagascar Registration
All importers and exporters that ship to Madagascar must be registered on the BSC system and give their account number with the application. We check this registration on every BSC certificate we provide, so get your BSC from SCK Representation quickly and safely.
Regulations are subject to change, we recommend confirming the latest country-specific requirements with our team via email.

How long does approval of the Madagascar BSC (Madagascar ECTN) take?
The draft Madagascar BSC is issued the same day your shipping documents reach us. Once the draft is checked and payment settled, the certificate goes for approval. All approvals are handled at the head office in Antananarivo. Approval normally comes within a few days, but it is worth allowing about a week. This page is for information; the detail can change with your shipment. Checks are made at the time and are subject to the council’s current rules.
Can I make amendments to a validated Madagascar waiver document?
No, Unfortunately, once validated, the BSC certificate to Madagascar cannot be revised in any way. You will 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.
This content is reviewed to ensure accuracy and consistency with ECTN (CTN, BESC, BSC, BIETC, FERI, ACID, ACD) procedures, based on current operational practices and applicable regulatory frameworks at the time of the last update.
Are there any exemptions for cargo to Madagascar that don’t need the CTN/BSC Certificate?
Madagascar Customs exempts postal packets, parcels and air freight with a FOB value up to EUR 100, documents and samples, defence materiel, banknotes for the Central Bank, state-to-state gifts, diplomatic bags and disaster relief. Sea freight shipments need a BSC.
Are there any additional requirements for the issuance of a BSC certificate?
Importers should have registration on the platform and present their system account number and name to start the certification process.
As indicated earlier, the documents have to be issued with the above details and presented to complete the validation process.
- The commercial Invoice must be issued to the name of the final consignee. Incoterms, payment terms, H.S. codes for each item and the origin of goods must be noted on the document.
- The packing list must have a gross and net weight per container with their number. Also, the names and addresses of the shipper/consignee must be indicated on the document.
All these requirements mentioned above have to be fulfilled for the validation of the certificate.
For more information and document samples, please contact our team via sck@scktr.com.
Verified Compliance Review
This content is reviewed to ensure accuracy and consistency with ECTN (CTN, BESC, BSC, BIETC, FERI, ACID, ACD) procedures, based on current operational practices and applicable regulatory frameworks at the time of the last update.
Official Madagascar BSC sources
Madagascar Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes) requires a BSC for every cargo bound for Madagascar; the system was developed by GasyNet, whose technical centre checks each BSC before validation.
- Madagascar Customs: clearance and the BSC
- Madagascar trade portal (PIC): how to import to Madagascar
- GasyNet BSC online system: bscmg.sgs.com
- Maersk: Madagascar import procedures (BSC since 1 April 2007)
Sources checked on 15 October 2026.
What a validated Madagascar BSC 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.
Madagascar BSC: the complete guide
Issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply - in one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since when does Madagascar require the BSC?
Can a Bill of Lading for Madagascar be split or amended later?
What is GasyNet?
Does transit cargo need a Madagascar BSC?
When is the Madagascar BSC issued?
How can you get a Madagascar BSC certificate?
How long does it take to get approval?
Can I make amendments to a validated Madagascar BSC?
Can I use the same BSC number for various shipments?
Are there any exemptions for cargo to Madagascar?
Latest Madagascar updates
Procedure changes and official notices from the issuing authority.
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