🌍 43+ Years (Since 1983) — Africa Export, Import & Investment
FOREIGN TRADE GUIDE #2 — SINCE 1983

Stages of Export: 8-Step Process from Proforma Quotation to Port Delivery

The 8 chronological phases of an international export transaction from proforma approval and factory inspection to customs exit and bank settlement.

The 8 Chronological Stages of an Export Operation

  • Stage 1 — Inquiry (RFQ) & Proforma Invoice: Defining product specs, HS codes, MOQ, Incoterms (FOB/CIF), and validity.
  • Stage 2 — Order Confirmation & Payment Security: Signing the sales contract and receiving advance T/T or confirmed Letter of Credit (L/C).
  • Stage 3 — Manufacturing & Seaworthy Packaging: ISPM-15 fumigated pallets, shrink-wrapping, and moisture protection.
  • Stage 4 — Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI): SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek inspection for mandatory Certificates of Conformity (CoC).
  • Stage 5 — Vessel Booking & Container Stuffing: Loading 20' DC, 40' HC, or Reefer containers with certified lashing.
  • Stage 6 — Export Customs Clearance & BESC/ECTN: Filing the customs declaration, Certificate of Origin, and African Cargo Tracking Notes.
  • Stage 7 — Vessel Departure & Bill of Lading (B/L): Issuance of original ocean Bills of Lading and dispatch of shipping documents.
  • Stage 8 — Foreign Exchange Settlement & File Closure: Receiving payment via banking channels and closing the export file.

Partner with A.T.C. Africa Trade Center (Since 1983)

With 3 branches in Turkey, 5 main hubs in Africa (Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Ivory Coast, DR Congo), 4 offices in Europe, and 89 distributorships across 25 countries, we provide direct export, raw material import, investment consulting, and supporting container logistics.

Knowledge & Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and expert answers regarding African trade, ocean freight, BESC certification, and port clearance procedures.

Since 1983, ATC has provided turnkey foreign trade consulting, container shipping (FCL/LCL), express air freight, and commercial agency across 24 West, Central, and Southern African nations, notably Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, and The Gambia.

BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) or ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory customs tracking certificate required by African port authorities prior to vessel departure. Cargo cannot clear customs without it. ATC processes and validates all tracking certificates within 24 hours.

From main Turkish ports (Izmir, Istanbul, Mersin), container transit to West African ports (Dakar, Tema, Abidjan) takes an average of 18 to 26 days. Transit to Central and Southern African ports (Douala, Pointe-Noire, Luanda) ranges between 25 and 35 days.

The most secure payment methods are Confirmed Irrevocable Letters of Credit (Confirmed L/C) and advance wire transfer (Advance T/T). With 43+ years of local presence, ATC verifies buyer credibility and bank solvency to eliminate non-payment risks.

Yes. For shipments that do not fill a full container, we provide secure LCL consolidation billed per cubic meter (CBM). For urgent samples and high-priority goods, our Istanbul-based Express Air Cargo delivers door-to-airport within 2 to 4 business days.

African Export, Import & Investment Leader Since 1983

Take a Secure and Fast Step into African Markets

Contact our foreign trade desk directly for export product pricing (coidet.com), African raw material imports, container freight rates, and mandatory BESC/ECTN waivers.

WA 1: +90 533 777 70 77 WA 2: +90 232 700 15 32 Get Product & Freight Quote Catalog: www.coidet.com Tel: +90 232 700 15 32
✉️ atc@atc.org.tr | 📠 Fax: +90 232 700 29 75 | 🌐 www.coidet.com
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