The CTN serves as a Risk Assessment Engine which allows Customs and other Authorities to effectively control, supervise, and manage import traffic. A key component of CTN is the advanced notification of shipment details before they arrive at destination port. CTN certificates, allows Customs Authorities access to such information as: description of cargo, weight, volume, type and value of the cargo, exporter/importer, mode of shipment and shipping route as well as value of freight. Through this system, a common platform is thus created which allows each country to maintain important statistical data for future logistical monitoring.

a) Locate and contact our appointed Agent
The Shipper/Exporter at Port of Origin needs to locate and contact our appointed and authorized Agent and apply for the CTN number.

b) Steps to Secure CTN Number

• 1. Provide
  • - Ship Information
  • - Shipment Information
  • - Cargo Information
• 2. Attach Upload / Supporting Docs
• 3. Generate CTN or Pre-validate CTN
• 4. Validate CTN

The whole process to obtain CTN number is completed online by Shipper/Exporter at port of origin. It begins with shipper/exporter providing ship information, shipment information and cargo details. Then followed by uploading/attaching relevant supporting documents such as: Commercial Invoice, Packing list and Customs declaration document at port of origin. Shipper/exporter then previews all the entries made and proceeds to make payment to generate the CTN number (pre-validation). Once payment is confirmed and CTN number received, shipper/exporter submits the CTN number together with Shipping Instructions to Shipping Line for B/L and manifest preparation. After B/L is generated, shipper/exporter can now validate the CTN by entering the B/L number and date as well as attaching a copy of the B/L and freight invoice. The validated CTN is then made electronically available online to shipper/exporter and Customs Authority at destination. Shipper/exporter can view/print the validated CTN certificate for any purpose. The whole process to validate CTN number must be completed within maximum 7 calendar days for regular shipments. However, for Bulk whole ship loading, special dispensation is available (bulkers@ctnghana.com

a) CTN number is mandatory without which clearing of goods at the ports will not be possible. Importers in Ghana must ensure that their respective shippers/exporters at port of origin have provided a Valid CTN number on the B/L, manifest and on all shipping documents.

Small size Importers who are exempted from paying CTN fees are expected to register with Ghana Customs to secure a unique CTN number which must be passed on to their respective Shippers/Exporters for each shipment.

b) A maximum 7 calendar days is allowed within which to complete the process from Entry of details to Validation of CTN (*special dispensation available for Bulk-Whole Ship Loadings). It is strongly recommended that shipper/exporter at port of origin secures the CTN number and submit it together with the shipping instructions to Shipping Line for B/L & manifest preparation.

c) A Pre-Validated CTN which is not completed within the mandated 7 days period will be TIMED-OUT (all inserted data will disappear, credits will be lost; and the Pre-Validated CTN number will be rendered null & void; and cannot be used at destination).

To apply for CTN number, it is recommended that you assemble all the necessary documents required. Once assembled, you would normally locate one of our authorized Agent and apply straight by following the easy step-by-step online process of supplying information and uploading/attaching supporting documents. Once B/L is issued, you will have to now Validate the CTN by inserting the B/L number and date and attaching B/L copy and freight invoice (if freight Prepaid). From Start to Validation of CTN, you are allowed 7 calendar days. However, for Bulk whole ship loading, special dispensation is available; please check with our authorized Agent at port of origin.

It's that simple!

For PRE-VALIDATION (to obtain CTN number)

• - Commercial Invoice
• - Customs Export Document at Port of Origin
• - Packing List

For VALIDATION

• - Bill of Lading (enter B/L number and date; and upload a copy of the B/L)
• - Freight Invoice (only if freight is PRE-PAID)

No. All CTN procedures are the sole duty & obligation of the shipper/exporter at port of origin.

CTN cannot be regularized at port of destination and importer may suffer the consequences (of delays & possible high penalties) if shipper/exporter does not comply.

No. CTN processing is the exclusive responsibility of the Shipper/Exporter at port of origin.

Yes. Five (5) distinct and regular modes of shipment have been identified and your shipment may come under any one of the following: 1) FCL 2) LCL (Consolidation) 3) RoRo <5mt 4) RoRo> 5mt and 5) Breakbulk/Conventional. You will need to generate 1 CTN number for each mode of shipment above.

Yes, CTN Ghana is operating globally and the SOLE AUTHORIZED representative to generate CTN number for all shipments from every loading port around the globe to Ghana.

Your goods cannot be cleared, high penalties may apply, possible protracted delays with consequences for high demurrage fees; and in some cases, confiscation of goods.

Yes; if you are using a freight forwarder and if the freight forwarder has a local agent in Ghana unto whom the cargo is consigned to. In this situation, the Master B/L is created to the freight forwarder as Shipper; and the local agent as Consignee with each sharing member as Notify party 1/ 2 / 3 / etc.

Yes. Commercial cargo shipment sent by aid organizations must be covered by a valid CTN number.

Absolutely YES. It is mandatory for shipper/exporter to submit the Pre-validated CTN number together with the shipping instructions to the Shipping Line for B/L and manifest preparation.

Yes, you can view, print and must send the Pre-Validated CTN number together with the shipping instructions to the Shipping Line for B/L and manifest preparation purposes.

All depends on you! Once B/L is issued, you will have to now Validate the CTN by inserting the B/L number and date and attaching B/L copy and freight invoice (if freight Prepaid). You must remember that the entire process duration is 7 calendar days From Start to Validation of CTN (*special dispensation only available for Bulk whole ship loading).

No; you cannot amend the CTN once validated. Any request for amendment can be lodge by consignee directly with local Customs Authority upon arrival of cargo at destination.

Where a transaction involves several parties such as: Manufacturer/Supplier; Exporter; Trader (intermediary in a different location); Exporter; Freight Forwarder; Importer/Consignee; it is important to note that the obligation of CTN application is still that of the Shipper / Exporter at the port of origin.

However, the Trader or Intermediary who will appear as shipper on the B/L may also process the CTN application on strict condition that relevant required documents such as the Customs Export document at the port of origin is duly uploaded in support of the application.

The Commercial Invoice between Trader (or intermediary) and Consignee at destination must be uploaded as well.

Yes, you can present a Proforma Invoice based on the estimated value of your personal goods (listing each item & value) and not necessarily the exact market value at the time of shipment.

It is however important that you provide exact description of each item and select corresponding HS Code from the drop down menu in the system.

A Switch B/L in many respects may be akin to a Triangular Trade for which information protection becomes crucial to the Seller / Trader (or intermediary).

The CTN filing for Switch is designed to provide a degree of transparency on the Logistical Movement of the Cargo and all Commercial Transactions relative to that same shipment.

Yes, cargo destined for neighboring land-locked countries, specifically: Burkina Faso, Mali, & Niger are required to be covered by a CTN number.

YES & NO

YES:
Where the age of a used motor vehicle does NOT exceed SIX (6) MONTHS, CTN is mandatory and you must apply online

NO:
Motor vehicles OLDER THAN Six (6) Months are exempted from CTN number application.