If you are shipping cargo by sea to Senegal, there is one document that can hold your entire shipment hostage at the Port of Dakar: the BESC. This guide explains what it is, who is responsible for it, and how to make sure it never becomes your problem.
What Is the BESC?
The BESC (Bordereau Electronique de Suivi des Cargaisons), also called the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), is a mandatory document for all sea freight destined for Senegal. It is issued under the authority of COSEC (Conseil Senegalais des Chargeurs), the Senegalese Shippers' Council, and allows the authorities to track cargo from the port of loading to arrival in Dakar.
Who Needs One and When
Every bill of lading covering cargo discharged in Senegal requires its own validated BESC -- containerized cargo, breakbulk, vehicles, and personal effects alike. The BESC must be created at the port of loading and validated before the vessel arrives in Dakar. A missing or late BESC exposes the consignee to fines and your cargo to costly storage charges while the paperwork is regularized.
How to Obtain It
The BESC is requested through an approved agent at origin with copies of the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and freight invoice. Validation typically takes one to three working days once documents are complete. As a licensed freight forwarder in Senegal, WTL handles BESC creation and validation as a standard part of our freight forwarding service -- our team checks every document against COSEC requirements before the vessel sails.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
The errors we correct most often: BESC requested after vessel departure, cargo descriptions that do not match the bill of lading, missing freight invoices, and waivers validated for the wrong port. Each one is avoidable with a document check at booking time.
Get It Handled for You
WTL has processed BESC waivers for importers into Dakar for over two decades. If you are planning a shipment, request a quote and we will take the BESC, customs clearance, and port handling off your plate entirely. You can also read our customs clearance guide for West Africa for the broader picture.