Togo BESC Certificate

For shipments passing through Lomé port, a BESC is compulsory even for cargo in transit to another destination. Lomé handles significant transit traffic to Burkina Faso, Niger, Ghana and Benin.

Last Updated: 18 December 2025 – Regulations are subject to change.

For cargo shipments to Togo, securing a BESC certificate is mandatory. SCK Representation is your partner in this process, offering guidance and support. Initiate your application by providing the required documents or opt to complete the form independently. The certification process usually concludes within a week. For a smooth procedure, ensure all documents are comprehensive and consistent to prevent any delays or penalties. Remember, as the shipper, you have to acquire the BESC certificate; non-compliance could lead to fines.

Togo is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north. It also has a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The capital and largest city is Lomé. The official language is French, and the population is around 8 million. Togo has a diverse culture with influences from the indigenous tribes, European colonizers, and the African diaspora.

For shipments passing through Lome port (Togo), obtaining a certificate is compulsory, even for cargo in transit to another destination. This requirement ensures that all goods, irrespective of their final destination, comply with local regulations while in transit. Consequently, it’s essential to secure certificates for both Togo and your cargo’s ultimate destination. To navigate this process smoothly, we advise reviewing the specific certification procedures for your shipment’s final destination as well.

• Burkina Faso
• Mali
• Niger

BESC is the French abbreviation of ‘Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons’, the name printed on Togo’s certificate.

Regulations are subject to change, we recommend confirming the latest country-specific requirements with our team via email.

How can you get the TOGO BESC Certificate?

The following documents are required for the Central African Republic BESC certificate:

• Bill of lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Customs Declaration
• Freight Invoice (it is not necessary if the commercial invoice includes the freight value)

To start the certification process, you should share PDF copies of the documents through sck@scktr.com. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of BESC certificates. Please be sure to share the final documents, which will not have any more amendments later in the process. A penalty fee will occur for the modifications after validating the certificates.

How long does receiving a validated copy of the BESC certificate take?

The process normally takes around a week as the regulation applied by Togolese authorities is so strict. Moreover, the documents that are supplied must be coherent to validate the final certificate.

BESC number will be created after “Pre-validation”. Any change in information and documentation after “Pre-validation” will result in a penalty fee.

You have 5 days after receiving the BESC reference to forward the original B.L. with place and date of issue, shipped on board date mentioned, signed and stamped.

Otherwise, the system will automatically cancel the certificate, and there will be a penalty fee to recover the certificate.

Can I have the validation if the final destination mentioned on the export declaration is changed from another goal to Togo?

Authorities’ confirmation is required if the shipment’s destination is changed after the vessel’s departure. Their approach to the issue is generally positive as this is a special case. The document’s other details, including package amount, weight, etc., should remain the same as the previous one.

Yes. The Togo ports get a lot of transit traffic. Although they occasionally have their own ports, they are mostly utilized for transit exports to Burkina Faso, Niger, Ghana, and Benin. Each cargo must be accompanied by a valid Togo BESC certificate, regardless of whether the items are discharged at Togo’s ports for transit or as a final destination.

Yes. Two steps make up the Togo BESC validation procedure. The certificate is pre-validated, during which the shipper is given the BESC number. Then, to validate the certificate, we need a copy of the original Bill of Lading with the BESC number.

What is “After Carriage Value”?

The costs of getting from the discharge port to the delivery destination are called the “after-carriage value.” For you to get the Togo BESC, this fee must be listed on the commercial invoice.

In some circumstances, mainly where the Incoterm is DAP (Delivery At Place), the Togo Custom Authorities demand that the After Carriage value be shown on the Commercial Invoice in addition to FOB and Freight value.

To send Roll on Roll (RORO) to Togo, you must receive BESC numbers. Each vehicle will have its BESC number.

No, but you must get a Togo BESC for bulk, RoRo, container, and LCL shipments if they are being sent to Togo.

No, BESC is unique and limited to a single shipment. Every cargo needs its own BESC number that has been verified.

Responsibility

The responsibility to get the BESC certificate is on the shipper’s side. Transports without a certificate are penalized, and the shipper will be responsible for the loss.

Verified Compliance Review

This content is reviewed to ensure accuracy and consistency with BESC (BESC, BESC, BESC, BIETC, FERI, ACID, ACD) procedures, based on current operational practices and applicable regulatory frameworks at the time of the last update.