Frequently asked questions

The DU document or Documento Unico is an Import License in Angola.

The ARCCLA file is a necessary document, needed in order to request the ARCCLA shipping certificate, containing clarified information pertaining, but not limited to the parties involved, the goods and the shipment.

This document must be uploaded in both a PDF-version as well as an EXCEL-version.

An ETD means the expected date of departure while ETA means the expected date of arrival of an ocean carrier or cargo.

(European) declaration of export of goods issued by local customs office.

 Yes.


You can request the correction of a validated certificate via the order communication of the respective certificate.

To request any correction, the following documents are needed:

  • BL (updated)
  • CI + FI (updated)
  • ARCCLA FORM (updated)


To request a correction concerning the CHANGE IN NUMBERS of a DUP (removal or addition of a number inside of the DU number)

the following documents are needed:

• BL (updated)

• CI+FI (updated)

• ARCCLA FORM (updated)

• DUP (updated)


To request a correction concerning the ADDITION of a DUP document (add a new DU), the following documents are needed:

• BL (updated)

• CI+FI (updated)

• ARCCLA FORM (updated)

• DUP (updated)


To request a correction concerning the REMOVAL OR SWITCH of a DUP, the following documents are needed, as well as an authorization by MINDCOM*:

• BL (updated)

• CI+FI (updated)

• ARCCLA FORM (updated)

• DUP (updated)


*Mindicom is ministry of commerce angola

The DU document or Documento Unico is an Import Licence in Angola. A DU document is compulsory for all CNCA applications from 10/02/2015.

A DU document has to be valid in terms of the Expiry date on field 25e. This document expiry date is normally 60 days from the date of DU issuance.

The DUP is necessary for all cargo entering Angolan Ports when the goods value exceeds <5000 USD.

the Documento Unico or the Import License is exempt if a shipment will be cleared, at the destination, under Temporary Regime.

This is applicable when the importation to Angola is of a temporary nature.  This DUP is not needed however when it pertains to the temporary importation of goods.

For temporary import it's not necessary DU, to fill mandatory field you may insert:

   20230100000005000

Only goods with the final origin of Angola need an ARCCLA loading certificate. 

I.e: loading certificates are not

The loading certificate is needed whenever goods are being exported to Angola.

 These numbers are generated to help identify and track your shipment as it makes its way to its final destination.

The BL number is uniquely linked to your ARCCLA loading certificate.

This is a unique reference linking your bill of lading to a unique dossier- and loading certificate number. This number must be used when communicating about specific cases.

Carriers produce a freight invoice, also called a freight bill, to summarize a transaction. It details the freight, shipper information, point of origin, and any applicable charges. Those receiving goods will sign the freight invoice to accept the delivery. 

SOC stands for 'shipper-owned container' and is a metal freight shipping container that is owned by an individual or business and used to ship cargo across long distances.

The initial order is invoiced by means of a pro-forma to avoid possible bank charges withholding the creation of your ECTN.

To finalize bookkeeping on both ends, a finalized invoice is sent out upon  full receipt of payment owed.

African Desk can provide Angola Loading Certificates / (old name: CNCA) for the following countries:

  • Belgium
  • Netherlands
  • Luxemburg
  • France
  • Italy

This is the description of the goods.

you can find this on the bill of lading.

you can find this on the bill of lading.

The country of origin is where the goods were manufactured.

Forwarding agent is an indispensable member of the international trade and transport community.

 This is the notation for weight/volume – this can also be read as tonnes/cubic metres.

(This is used for the notation of weight and volume within the Angola Loading Certificates) 

 This pertains to the country under which the ocean going vessel is registered.

 R&C Desk is your partner for ECTN’s to a large number of West-African countries.

 ARCCLA is the new agency of representatives for the loading certificates  to Angola Angola (previously known as CNCA / CNCA certificates)  and stands for Agência Reguladora de Certificação de Cargas e Logística de 

This is the new agency mandating the loading certificates (ARCCLA) for all shipments to Angola

 These are the same loading certificates originating from different  definitions at several points in time 

Called RORO o ro-ro, this way of cargo shipping comes from the expression “roll-on/roll-off”, which describes a vessel transporting wheeled cargo, be it cars, trucks, bus, trailers or even industrial vehicles.

 African Desk is a mandated Agent for several ECTN countries; supporting and guiding forwarders on different platforms through their own Agency as well as via their own set of Agents for certain countries.

  https://www.rcdesk.be/nl/arccla

 African Desk is the official agent for Angola for the following countries of export:

  • Belgium
  • Netherlands
  • Luxemburg
  • France
  • italy

 R&C Desk is a subsidiary of TC&T NV, carrying a different IBAN but the same VAT number.

  • Congo
  • Burkina
  • Benin
  • Chad
  • Gabon
  • Angola

 HS code is short for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. It's a list of numbers used by customs to classify a product.

 Please refrain from effectuating payment until the order has been modified.

This modification will be done manually and internally upon receipt of the bill of lading.

If you wish to speed this process up, please send a message with your created order to request@rcdesk.be 

 Mindcom (Ministro da Indústria e Comércio) is the Angolan ministry of industry and commerce.

This party is involved with the issuance and amendments of DU documents.

The required documents to obtain the CE are: Bill of Lading (BL), Commercial Invoice, Provisional Single Document (DUP) and ARCCLA Form duly completed.

yes

The goods will be withheld for clearance at location and may be subject to a fine by Angolan Authorities.

It is necessary to make a letter addressed to MINDCOM. Afterwards, to correct the loading certification, an approval submitted by MINDCOM is needed.

Thereafter, the ARCCLA agent can request authorization from the central services for the correction of the certificate.

No. Each bill of lading may only be covered by one certificate number in order to be considered valid.

A loading certificate must be issued for each house BL – these are linked to the OBL inside of the certificate.

N.A.

This is possible in some cases – please contact the R&C Desk team for futher information

Generally prior authorization from Customs Authorities is required for international transit purposes.