What is BESC?

BESC is a mandatory loading document for all shipments to Benin. It is required for Cotonou or any other port. It is also known as CTN and BSC. It was determined as a regulation in 2006 by the Benin Customs Officials. Failing to present the BESC document will lead to severe consequences and a hefty fine.

Procedure

  • According to this law, every cargo that has been purchased from abroad and transported for commercial, business, in some cases diplomatic and personal purposes require a Loading Certificate called BESC – Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons
  • The shipper or the freight forwarder is responsible for acquiring the BESC waiver certificate from the authorized representative.

Requirements

  • Bill of Lading – A draft copy can be used for the draft.
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Freight Invoice – It is necessary if the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
  • Export Customs Declaration – Details have to be the same across all documents if it is not cross-trade
  • Packing List – Details have to be the same as the Commercial Invoice

Regulations

  • According to Benin Customs regulations, all cargoes to Benin must be accompanied by a BESC certificate.
  • The BESC certificate must be validated five days before the vessel arrives at the latest.
  • Shipments who arrive without BESC or with false information on the BESC gets charged twice the certificate cost plus the regulation charge determined by the Benin National Port Officials. Penalties start with 50.000 CFA, this fee is generated by the port authorities.
  • Please note that we have received confirmation from the Beninese authorities that for vehicles inside containers, the cargo type should be “container”.
  • This only goes for vehicles inside containers, so where the container number is clearly mentioned on the documents.
  • Please do make sure to add the chassis number of the vehicles in the goods description field for this type of cases.
  • Of course, vehicles that are not loaded in containers should be given the cargo type “RoRo”.

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