The Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BESC) is a document used by the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNCC) to track the cargoes concerned. The procedure is now digitised through BESC 3.0. For documents, rates and conditions in force, always refer to the official CNCC BESC information.
It is not the same act as a B/L, nor as a CAMCIS declaration. It is a cargo-tracking formality, to be analysed before shipment — especially to Douala or Kribi.
What is the BESC for?
It centralises cargo-related information: shipper, consignee, goods, transport, origin, destination and documentary data for the shipment.
Without these centralised data, statistical and operational cargo tracking is incomplete. With them, the licensed customs broker and the importer work from the same file.
How do you obtain a BESC?
The procedure depends on the type of operation concerned. The operator uses the official CNCC platform and submits the information and documents requested. Depending on the applicable procedure, the file may go through creation, document transmission, control and validation.
Do not describe a single timeline of 'a few days' as a rule: the schedule depends on the file and the CNCC conditions at the time.
Which documents to prepare?
Depending on the operation, the following may in particular be required:
- commercial invoice;
- transport document;
- freight invoice;
- packing list;
- documents relating to the cargo;
- shipper and consignee information.
The exact list must be checked directly on the official platform and with the CNCC. An LCL consolidation does not always have the same file as an FCL.
How much does a BESC cost?
The cost must not be presented as a universal amount. Rates can change and depend on the characteristics of the shipment. The right reflex: refer to the official CNCC tariff and check it on the date of the operation.
The mistake to avoid
Do not wait until the cargo arrives to discover that a BESC was required. The formality must be analysed early enough with the forwarder or the operator in charge of the shipment. At the quayside, a missing BESC can delay take-over — it is not the same blockage as a CAMCIS hold or an incomplete Port of Douala file, but the terminal clock does not make that distinction.
Watch goods in transit
Rules applicable to the corridors to Chad or the Central African Republic can change. Do not publish a permanent claim of the 'always mandatory' type without checking the official measure in force at the time of the update. For the transit regime, see the T1 regime.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the BESC for in Cameroon?
It lets the CNCC centralise cargo-related information: shipper, consignee, goods, transport, origin, destination and documentary data for the shipment.
How much does a BESC cost?
The cost should not be presented as a single amount. Rates can change and depend on the characteristics of the shipment. Check the official CNCC tariff on the date of the operation.
Is the BESC always mandatory for transit to Chad or CAR?
Rules applicable to the corridors can change. Do not start from a permanent claim of the 'always mandatory' type: check the official measure in force at the time of shipment.
When should the BESC formality be started?
Early enough, with the forwarder or the operator in charge of the shipment. Waiting until the cargo arrives to discover that a BESC was required is the mistake to avoid.
In 2026, the reflex should be: check whether a BESC is required → use BESC 3.0 → prepare the documents → meet the applicable deadlines → keep the validated BESC. ALC Transit reviews this formality with the file.