Effective April 17, 2026, the Ministry of Transport in the Central African Republic has implemented a strict regulatory framework requiring a validated Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BESC) for all inbound shipments. This mandate is comprehensive, covering every mode of transport including sea, air, road, rail, and river.
Operational Compliance and Loading Protocols
To ensure a smooth supply chain, the BESC must be issued and fully validated at the port of loading before the cargo departs. Shipping lines and carriers are now prohibited from loading any cargo that does not have a pre-validated BESC. Furthermore, it is a mandatory requirement that the unique BESC number be integrated into both the Bill of Lading and the Cargo Manifest. Local customs authorities in the CAR will withhold clearance for any shipments lacking this documentation until the situation is rectified.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Ministry has introduced heavy financial deterrents for those who fail to comply with these regulations. Shippers found in violation of the BESC mandate will face direct penalties amounting to 10x the standard applicable rate. These fines must be settled in full before customs will release the cargo for importation.
Application and Expert Support
The application process requires four core documents: the Bill of Lading, the Commercial Invoice, the Export Customs Declaration, and a Freight Invoice if the rates are not already specified in the commercial documents.
As an officially recognized agent for the Central African Republic, Pelship manages all applications through our specialized network. We leverage our extensive experience in the maritime ecosystem and trade flows to ensure your cargo remains compliant and avoids costly delays.
For assistance with your validation, please reach out to our team:
📩 certificates@pelship.com | 🌐 www.pelship.com
