Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) also known as Bordereau de Suivi Cargaison (BSC) or Loading Certificate is an official marine document that contains information relating to the cargo and its movement between ports. This document is required to be submitted to the various shippers’ councils in various countries.
In general, the CTN number must be shown on all documentation related to the cargo shipped under that note. The shipper and/or forwarder should provide the certificate number to the ocean carrier at the loading port (Loading agent) for inclusion in the manifest and bill of lading.
Cargo Tracking Note FAQs
Companies involved in overseas shipping of any kind, whether for personal shipments, business shipments, excess baggage shipping or commodity shipping, are now required to provide or obtain Cargo Tracking Notes for all cargo travelling by sea. Here we answer some Frequently Asked Questions about the CTN scheme.
Cargo Tracking Notes (or CTN’s) are a way of verifying the contents of every cargo, and then tracking that cargo between ports. Every cargo travelling by sea must be issued with a CTN by an approved agent prior to departure
CTN’s were introduced following the September 11th attacks as a means of improving the security around marine shipments.
Yes, the CTN is required for each & every Bill of Lading including groupage containers.
Most countries like the United States, the European Union, Asia, the Middle East and Africa have all implemented the scheme.