Shipping from China to Africa

We collaborate with a vast network of renowned carriers to offer highly flexible logistics services tailored for shipments to Africa. Our expertise allows us to identify the most efficient freight forwarding solutions for your international supply chain.

Shipping Documentation: Electronic Cargo Tracking Note

When importing to Africa, customs clearance documentation is unique. In addition to the standard documents such as a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading, an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note is often required.

Here is a list of different names for the cargo note used across African countries:

• CTN: Cargo Tracking Note
• CTN NO.: Cargo Tracking Note Number
• ECTN: Electronic Cargo Tracking Note
• BSC: Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons
• BESC: Bordereau de Cargaison
• FERI: Fiche Electronique des Renseignements à l’Importation
• COC: Certificate of Conformity
• BIC: Bordereau d’Identification des Cargaisons
• CRN: Cargo Registration Note
• SONCAP: Standards Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme
• CNCA: Conselho Nacional de Carregadores de Angola

Despite varying names, this document serves a unified purpose: ensuring proper customs clearance. Importers must present the relevant tracking number at the destination port for smooth processing.

Country-Specific Certifications

Here are the specific certifications required by some African countries:

• Angola: CNCA Certification
• Benin: BESC Certification
• Cameroon, Congo, Chad, Tanzania, Togo: ECTN Certification
• DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo): FERI Certification
• Gabon: BIC Certification
• Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Nigeria, Central African Republic: CTN NO. Certification
• Ivory Coast, Madagascar: BSC Certification
• Kenya: COC Certification

Choosing the Best Carrier Before Shipping

Selecting the right carrier is key to ensuring cost-effective shipping. Consider the following maritime companies:

• MSK: Maersk (dominates 60% of China-Africa shipping)
• CMA: Compagnie Maritime d’Affrètement (strong presence in North Africa due to historical ties)
• PIL: Pacific International Lines (leading carrier to East Africa)
• SAF: Safmarine (focused on South Africa)
• Delmas: Specializes in African routes, ensuring fast container evacuation and distribution.

Shipping to West Africa

Key ports include Cotonou, Lome, Tema, Lagos, Abidjan, Douala, Libreville, and Luanda. Many African importers prefer FOB shipping terms and assign MSK, as it provides reliable customs clearance and transportation to inland cities. For those looking for a more affordable option, CMA offers competitive rates, while MSC may have longer transit times but lower prices.

Shipping to South Africa

Main ports: Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth. Inland transportation is also available to Johannesburg, Gaborone, Harare, and Lusaka. SAF remains the most prominent carrier on this route, though now operated by MSK, which frequently leases space from SAF.

Shipping to East Africa

Main ports: Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and Djibouti. From Mombasa, cargo can be shipped inland to Kampala, Jinja, Kigali, and Juba. From Dar es Salaam, destinations include Bujumbura, Kigali, Lusaka, and beyond. PIL is the most reliable choice for heavy containers in this region.

Shipping to North Africa

Main ports: Algiers, Oran, Casablanca, Tripoli, and Alexandria. While CMA offers premium service at higher freight rates, many importers from North Africa prefer its reliability.

Customs Clearance After Shipping

Different countries in Africa have distinct customs regulations. For example, in Kenya:

• Required Documents:
• • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading
  • IDF Form C-61
  • Form C-52
  • Certificate of Compliance
• Tariff Schedule:
  • Raw materials: 0%
  • Semi-manufactured goods: 10%
  • Manufactured goods: 25%

What We Offer

We provide a full suite of logistics services to meet your needs, including:

• Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping
• Air freight and express delivery (with sea-air combined options for over 45KG shipments)
• Consolidation and customs documentation assistance
• Regular and bonded warehousing
• Door-to-door, CY-to-door, and CY-to-CY logistics solutions
• Freight forwarding consultation and insurance
• Commodity quality inspection

If you’re looking for cost-effective and reliable logistics solutions from China to Africa, don’t hesitate to request a free freight quote today!