ENS / ACD – Sierra Leone (Electronic Notice of Shipment / Advanced Cargo Declaration)
📄 Document type
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Mandatory electronic document for all cargo destined for Sierra Leone.
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Must be obtained before shipment and your ENS/ACD number must appear on the BL (Bill of Lading).
👤 Who should process it?
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Exporter (company that makes the shipment)
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Authorized freight forwarder or freight agent, using information from the exporter and importer.
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✔️ The responsibility for issuing the Waiver falls on the Shipper.
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✔️ It is recommended to issue at source.
📑 Required documents
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Bill of Lading (BL) – draft or final
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Commercial invoice (with currency and country of origin)
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Packing List
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Freight invoice (if not included in the commercial invoice)
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Customs export document (DUA or equivalent)
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Certificate of origin (if applicable)
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Complete data of the importer (commercial registry / NIF / TIN)
🕒 Deadlines
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Must be processed before the ship’s departure.
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The Waiver can be validated with a BL DRAFT.
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It is recommended to validate the Waiver at least 5 days before arrival at the port of Freetown.
❗ Consequences of not processing it
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Cargo retention or blocking at the port of Freetown
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Fines and surcharges by port authorities and customs
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Major delays in dispatch and delivery
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Risk of rejection or immobilization of merchandise
✅ Regulations and operational rules
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Mandatory to add ENS / ACD number in the BL (given when validating the Waiver).
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Mandatory for internal transits as well.
- It is recommended to validate the Waiver 5 days before the vessel’s arrival.
