Situated in West Africa, Sierra Leone shares borders with Guinea to the north and east, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Freetown serves as both the capital and the largest city of the country. English is the official language, and the population stands at approximately 7.9 million. The culture of Sierra Leone is a rich tapestry woven with influences from indigenous tribes, European colonizers, and the African diaspora.
Starting from 2015, it has become compulsory for every cargo shipment to acquire an ENS number, which is also known as a CTN or BSC, and to submit an ACD declaration. The BSC document needs to be authorized a minimum of five days prior to the ship’s arrival. Any consignments that arrive without a valid BSC, or with a BSC containing inaccurate details, will face a penalty amounting to twice the certificate’s price, along with an additional charge set by Sierra Leone’s national port authorities.
The following documents are required for your ENS number application:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
What is BSC?
The BSC document, also referred to as CTN, is an obligatory loading document for all shipments destined for Sierra Leone, including ports such as Tamatave and Toamasina. This requirement was established by the Sierra Leone Customs Officials in 2000 as a regulatory measure. Failure to provide the BSC document can result in significant repercussions, including substantial fines.
Why Choose Us
One-on-One Support: Our expert team is ready to assist you with a personalized one-on-one video session. We’ll cover all necessary details, share required documents, and guide you through the process every step of the way.
Convenience: With our online calendar, scheduling a session is quick and easy. Simply select a date and time that suits you, and let us handle the rest.
Peace of Mind: When you partner with ReCCA RIDE Logistics, you can trust that your cargo is in safe hands. We prioritize transparency, security, and efficiency to ensure your shipments reach their destination safely and on time
What is the Procedure?
Under this law, all cargoes imported from overseas and shipped for commercial, commercial, in certain cases diplomatic and personal reasons must be accompanied by an BSC – Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons.
The shipper or the freight forwarder is responsible for acquiring the BSC waiver certificate from the authorized representative.
Sierra Leone BSC regulations
- All shipments destined for Sierra Leone are required to be accompanied by a BSC certificate in accordance with the customs regulations of Sierra Leone. This certificate is mandatory for all cargo being imported into the country.
- The BSC certificate needs to be verified no later than five days prior to the vessel’s arrival.
- Shipments lacking a BSC or containing inaccurate information on the BSC will incur a penalty equivalent to double the certificate cost in addition to the standard regulation charge set by the Sierra Leone National Port Authorities. This policy is strictly enforced to ensure compliance with import regulations and to deter any attempts at providing misleading information on shipping documentation.
Advantages of working with ReCCA Ride logistics
- Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in the logistics industry, ReCCA Ride Logistics boasts a team of seasoned professionals who are well-versed in international trade regulations, ensuring smooth and efficient handling of your cargo.
- Comprehensive Services: ReCCA Ride Logistics offers a wide range of services tailored to meet your specific logistics needs, including BESC/ECTN certificate provision, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and more, all under one roof.
- Efficiency and Reliability: We pride ourselves on our commitment to efficiency and reliability. Our streamlined processes and meticulous attention to detail ensure timely delivery of your cargo, every time.
- Personalized Support: At ReCCA Ride Logistics, we understand that every client is unique. That’s why we provide personalized support and solutions to address your individual requirements, offering one-on-one guidance throughout the shipping process.
- Transparency and Communication: We believe in fostering transparent communication with our clients every step of the way. From providing regular updates on your shipment’s status to addressing any concerns you may have, we keep you informed and empowered throughout the process.
- Regulatory Compliance: With a deep understanding of international trade regulations, including those specific to Benin such as BESC/ECTN requirements, we ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations, minimizing the risk of delays or penalties.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Our efficient operations and strategic partnerships enable us to offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or service, helping you maximize your budget and optimize your supply chain.
- Customer Satisfaction: At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to customer satisfaction. We go above and beyond to exceed your expectations, delivering exceptional service and building long-lasting partnerships based on trust and reliability.
- Partnering with ReCCA Ride Logistics means gaining a trusted ally in your logistics journey, one that is dedicated to your success and committed to delivering results. Experience the difference with ReCCA Ride Logistics today.