The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is a maritime certificate or waiver that is essential for exports to the majority of African countries.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP) is introducing the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note/Smart Port Note for all shipments to Ghana from November 1st 2023 (date of Bill of Lading). For all shipments to Ghana (transit cargo included), the shipper or his forwarder is required to issue an ECTN in the port of loading. Each Bill of Lading must be covered by at least one ECTN/SPN and its unique number needs to be inserted in the Bill of Lading and Cargo Manifest under penalty of fines for the shipping line. Cargoes arriving without a valid ECTN/SPN will not be cleared through customs until a valid ECTN/SPN is presented.
