Get your Senegal BSC Certificate today!
The BSC Certificate, also known as the Cargo Tracking Note, is a mandatory document for all consignments entering Senegal. It is a tracking and control mechanism, ensuring that all imported goods comply with Senegalese regulations and standards. We provide you with comprehensive information, guidance, and support while obtaining your BSC Certificate smoothly, ensuring a hassle-free shipment process to Senegal.
How to apply?
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Required documents:
Bill of lading
Commercial invoice
Freight ınvoice
Notice
The BESC issuance is the duty of the exporter, shipper or it’s a responsible freight forwarder. Even if you agree with the importer on transferring the responsibility the shipper may still face penalties.
General information
Why are African Loading Documents Important?
In Africa, the regulation and acceptance of trade at ports hinge on the submission of mandatory loading documents. Essential among these are certificates like the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC), and the Conseil National des Chargeurs de l’Afrique (CNCA).
These documents play a pivotal role in facilitating cross-border trade among African nations, as they provide a comprehensive snapshot of the cargo’s journey, detailing its origin, destination, quantity, and value, alongside the chosen mode of transport and measures taken for security.
Beyond ensuring trade compliance, these documents are instrumental in bolstering government oversight over imports and exports, significantly curtailing the risk of smuggling. By mandating these loading documents, African nations strive to foster a trading environment that is not only transparent and secure but also orderly.
This system supports national trade policies by ensuring that all transactions are conducted according to established regulations, thus maintaining the integrity of the trade ecosystem across the continent.
Is Senegal BSC Certificate Mandatory?
This special certificate allows the Senegal authorities to control, track, and identify all necessary information on cargo traffic.
Recommended Ports to Obtain BSC Certificate in Senegal
The requirement for a BSC Certificate applies to all sea ports in the country. The primary port in Senegal is the Port of Dakar, one of the largest and most important deep-sea ports on the West African coast. Given the significance of Dakar as a major maritime hub, it is particularly
If you’re shipping goods to Senegal, it’s essential to obtain a BSC Certificate before loading, as failure to present this document can result in fines, delays, or even refusal of the cargo upon its arrival in Senegal. The process of obtaining a BSC varies, depending on the country of origin and the shipping company used, but generally involves providing detailed information about the cargo, its value, and its destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a document widely used in trade between African countries. BSC is a loading document that ensures that the cargo sent is tracked in a safe and orderly manner. This document aims to ensure that trade takes place in accordance with government regulations and in a transparent manner.
Who needs to obtain an African loading document may include the following situations:
- Exporters and Importers: Trading companies are required to obtain these loading documents, which regulate and document shipments of goods.
- Logistics Companies: Logistics companies that carry out transport operations must provide these documents to ensure the safe tracking of the goods.
- Customs Transactions: These documents are often requested during customs clearance and their completeness is important for the smooth progress of trade.
- Distributors and Resellers: Distributors and sellers who ensure the safe transport of goods to their destination should organise their trade by obtaining these documents.
Each African country may have its own regulations, so document requirements may vary from country to country. In general, however, loading documents are a requirement to ensure that trade is conducted in a transparent and secure manner.
It is determined by the hauler councils in 28 countries. These countries are as follows:
|
Angola 🇦🇴 |
Cameroon 🇨🇲 |
|
Benin 🇧🇯 |
Republic Of Congo 🇨🇬 |
|
Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 |
Liberia 🇱🇷 |
|
Burundi 🇧🇮 |
Libya 🇱🇾 |
|
Chad 🇹🇩 |
Madagascar 🇲🇬 |
|
Djibouti 🇩🇯 |
Mali 🇲🇱 |
|
D. Republic Of The Congo 🇨🇩 |
Niger 🇳🇪 |
|
Egypt 🇪🇬 |
Nigeria 🇳🇬 |
|
Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶 |
Central African Republic 🇨🇫 |
|
Gambia 🇬🇲 |
Senegal 🇸🇳 |
|
Gabon 🇬🇦 |
Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 |
|
Ghana 🇬🇭 |
South Sudan 🇸🇸 |
|
Guinea Bissau 🇬🇼 |
Somalia 🇸🇴 |
|
Guinea Conakry 🇬🇳 |
Togo 🇹🇬 |
|
Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 |
Application Documents;
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
All documents must be in PDF format as the whole process is done online.
No, you cannot use the Senegal BSC number for different shipments. The BSC number is unique and limited to a single shipment. Each cargo shipment must be registered with a unique BSC number. This is an electronic certificate that identifies the specific cargo and transport details of the shipment.
Therefore, you must obtain and use a separate BSC number for each shipment. The uniqueness of the BSC number provides a system by which the shipment is verified and tracked. If different shipments try to use the same BSC number, it can prevent the system from working properly and cause problems in customs processes.
The Blog
To get the latest information on the Senegalese customs procedure please have a look at our blog. We post all new rules and regulations here.
