Official AgentCongo ECTN Certificate Guide
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) certificate is required for all shipments going to the Republic of the Congo.
Required Documents
Mandatory Documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Export Declaration
- TI File
Conditional Documents
- Freight Invoice— Required when the freight amount is not shown on the commercial invoice.
Timeline
- The ECTN must be validated within 5 days of the vessel sailing. After 5 days there is a 50% penalty imposed on the ECTN charges.
Risk Warnings
- The ECTN must be validated within 5 days of the vessel sailing. After 5 days there is a 50% penalty imposed on the ECTN charges.
- No regularisation at destination port.
Important Notes
- The ECTN number (URN) must be written on the bill of lading.
- If you are using the Republic of the Congo for transit purposes, you are exempt from ECTN in certain cases.
- The consignee must get the final validated copy in the Republic of the Congo.
Application Process
Submit Documents
Upload B/L, invoice, packing list, and other required files
Review & Quote
We review your documents and provide a transparent quote
Confirm Draft
Review the draft certificate and complete payment
Receive Certificate
Download your official certificate for customs clearance
FAQ about Congo ECTN
What is a ECTN certificate and why is it mandatory?
The ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory loading document required by Congo Customs. All shipments to Congo ports must obtain a valid ECTN number before loading, or cargo cannot clear customs and may face penalties.
How long does it take to obtain a ECTN?
With complete documents, a draft certificate is usually ready in 1-2 business days. The official certificate is issued upon confirmation. Apply as soon as booking is confirmed; the certificate must be obtained before vessel loading at the latest.
How much does a ECTN certificate cost?
ECTN fees vary based on cargo details (type, quantity, value, etc.) and cannot be quoted uniformly. We provide a transparent quote after reviewing your documents before processing.
Can certificate information be amended after issuance?
Yes, but amendments after validation typically incur extra charges. We recommend carefully reviewing all details (B/L number, cargo description, values) during the draft confirmation stage to avoid subsequent changes.
Ready to apply for Congo ECTN?
Submit a quote request or apply online — we'll respond within 24 hours.