What is a BSC in Madagascar?

The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is a Cargo Tracking Note, a mandatory document for all imports into Madagascar. It is a pre-shipment declaration that allows Malagasy customs to verify cargo details before the goods arrive at the port. Every shipment entering Madagascar, whether by sea, air, or land, requires a valid BSC.

How do I obtain a BSC for Madagascar?

You or your freight forwarder must apply to one of the organizations designated by Madagascar's Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD) to issue BSCs. The application requires a commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping details. Once approved, the issuing organization transmits the BSC data electronically to Malagasy customs. The process typically takes 3-5 working days.

What documents are required to apply for a BSC?

Standard requirements include: commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, certificate of origin, and the importer's tax identification number. Some BSC issuing organizations may request additional documents depending on the cargo type or origin country.

When must I obtain the BSC?

The BSC must be validated before the goods leave the country of origin. For sea freight, this means before the vessel departs from the loading port. For air freight, before the aircraft departs. For road transport, before the truck crosses the border. Late BSC filing or retroactive applications can result in penalties and clearance delays.

What happens if I ship to Madagascar without a BSC?

Cargo without a valid BSC will be held at the port or border. The importer faces penalties, which can include fines and a percentage surcharge on the customs value. In some cases, the cargo may be seized or returned to the origin. Clearance delays of several days to weeks are common when BSC issues arise.

How much does a BSC cost?

BSC fees vary by issuing organization, cargo type, and origin country. Typical fees range from $150 to $400 per shipment, with surcharges for dangerous goods, oversized cargo, or expedited processing. The cost is separate from customs duties and should be factored into your landed cost calculation.

Is the BSC required for air freight to Madagascar?

Yes. The BSC requirement applies to all modes of transport: sea, air, and road. Air freight shipments require the same BSC documentation, and the filing must be completed before the aircraft departs from the origin airport.

Do I need a BSC for every origin country?

Yes. The BSC is required for all imports into Madagascar regardless of the country of origin. Whether shipping from China, India, South Africa, UAE, Europe, or any other country, a valid BSC is mandatory for customs clearance.

Can my freight forwarder handle the BSC for me?

Yes, most experienced freight forwarders handling Madagascar shipments can manage the BSC application on your behalf. They work with the designated BSC issuing organizations and ensure the filing is completed correctly and on time. This is one of the key services to confirm when choosing a forwarder for Madagascar.

Import compliance

BSC · Cargo Tracking Note · Madagascar Customs · Documentation

BSC in Madagascar: the Cargo Tracking Note guide.

The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is mandatory for every import into Madagascar. No BSC, no clearance. This guide covers what the BSC is, how to get one, what it costs, the deadlines you cannot miss, and the penalties for getting it wrong.

What the BSC is

The BSC is Madagascar's pre-shipment cargo tracking system.

The BSC, or Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons, is a mandatory Cargo Tracking Note for all imports into Madagascar. It requires importers or their agents to declare cargo details to designated organizations before the goods leave the country of origin. The data is then transmitted electronically to Madagascar's Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD).

The system was introduced to improve customs security, reduce fraud, and speed up clearance at Malagasy ports. It gives customs advance information about incoming cargo, allowing them to assess risk and assign inspection channels before the vessel arrives. Without a valid BSC, cargo cannot clear customs at Toamasina or any other Malagasy port.

The BSC applies to all modes of transport: sea, air, and road. Whether you are shipping a 40ft container from Shanghai, a pallet of spare parts by air from Dubai, or a truckload from South Africa, you need a BSC before the goods depart.

Issuing organizations

Four organizations are designated to issue BSCs for Madagascar.

Not every inspection company issues BSCs for Madagascar. The DGD has designated specific organizations authorized to handle the filing. Check which ones operate in your country of origin before you start the application.

Bureau Veritas

One of the globally recognized inspection and certification organizations authorized to issue BSCs for Madagascar. Handles applications from most origin countries and maintains offices in major shipping hubs.

SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance)

A leading inspection and verification company with BSC issuing authority for Madagascar. Particularly active on Asia-Madagascar and Europe-Madagascar lanes.

Intertek

Authorized for BSC issuance across multiple origin countries. Provides pre-shipment inspection and documentation verification services for Madagascar imports.

BIVAC (Bureau de Verifcation des Approvisionnements)

Specializes in cargo verification for African import markets including Madagascar. Operates in key export origins serving Madagascar.

The process

Five steps from application to validated BSC.

The BSC process is straightforward when done correctly. The key is timing: start early, verify details, and confirm the BSC number before the goods leave.

01
Prepare your documents
Gather the commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping details. The issuing organization needs accurate cargo descriptions, weights, values, and HS codes. Errors at this stage propagate into the BSC and can trigger clearance problems at Toamasina.
02
Submit the application
Apply through the designated BSC issuing organization in your country of origin. Some organizations allow online submission; others require in-person application at a local office. Include all supporting documents with the application.
03
Verification and processing
The issuing organization reviews your documents, verifies cargo details, and may request additional information. Processing typically takes 3-5 working days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
04
Receive BSC validation
Once approved, the BSC number is issued and the data is transmitted electronically to Malagasy customs (DGD). The BSC number must appear on all shipping documents and be referenced in the customs declaration.
05
Confirm before departure
Verify the BSC number is active and correctly linked to your shipment before the vessel or aircraft departs. Any discrepancy between the BSC data and the actual cargo will be flagged at Toamasina.

Required documents

What you need before you apply for a BSC.

Gather these documents before starting the BSC application. Missing or incomplete documents delay processing and can result in inaccuracies on the BSC that cause problems at Toamasina.

Commercial Invoice

Must show the seller, buyer, goods description, unit price, total value, and Incoterms. The invoice value must match the BSC application exactly. Discrepancies between the BSC and the invoice trigger yellow-channel inspection.

Packing List

Itemised contents, gross and net weights, dimensions, and package count. Customs cross-references this against the BSC data during verification. Every line must match.

Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

The carrier's transport document. The BSC number should be referenced on this document. For sea freight, the B/L shows the shipper, consignee, ports, and cargo description that must align with the BSC filing.

Certificate of Origin

Proves where the goods were manufactured or produced. Required for customs classification and any applicable trade preferences. The origin stated on the certificate must match the BSC filing.

Importer Tax ID

The Malagasy importer's tax identification number (numéro fiscale). Required to link the BSC to the importing entity and for ASYcargo customs declaration filing.

Deadlines

When the BSC must be validated, by transport mode.

The deadline depends on how your cargo travels. Miss it, and you face penalties and clearance delays. The safe approach is to file at least 5-7 days before departure regardless of mode.

Sea freight

Before vessel departure from loading port

The BSC must be validated before the mainline vessel departs from the port of loading. For transhipment cargo, the BSC should be filed before the first leg departs. Late filing can result in the cargo being offloaded or the BSC being rejected.

Air freight

Before aircraft departure from origin airport

Air freight BSCs must be completed before the aircraft leaves the origin airport. The shorter transit time means there is less margin for error. File early and confirm the BSC number is active before booking.

Road transport

Before border crossing

For cargo arriving by road from neighboring countries (South Africa, Mozambique, etc.), the BSC must be validated before the truck crosses the border. Border posts verify BSC status as part of the entry process.

Cost

What a BSC costs and what affects the price.

BSC fees are not fixed by the DGD. Each issuing organization sets its own pricing, which means costs vary. Typical fees range from $150 to $400 per shipment for standard cargo. Several factors push the price higher.

Dangerous goods carry a surcharge, typically 50-100% above the standard fee, because of the additional documentation and verification required. Expedited processing (24-48 hours instead of the standard 3-5 days) also costs more. Oversized or heavy-lift cargo may incur additional charges based on complexity.

The BSC fee is a separate cost from customs duties and should be included in your landed cost calculation. For regular shippers, some issuing organizations offer volume pricing or annual agreements that reduce the per-shipment cost.

Cargo types

BSC requirements vary by what you are shipping.

The core BSC process is the same for all cargo, but certain types require additional documentation or have different fee structures. Know what applies to your shipment before you file.

Standard goods

Consumer goods, textiles, electronics, machinery, and general merchandise follow the standard BSC process. No additional requirements beyond the standard document set.

Dangerous goods

Hazardous materials require additional documentation: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), dangerous goods declaration, and proper UN classification. BSC fees are typically higher for dangerous goods, and processing may take longer.

Project cargo and heavy-lift

Oversized or heavy-lift cargo requires detailed specifications: dimensions, weight, lifting points, and transport plan. The BSC filing must accurately describe the cargo dimensions and weight to avoid issues at the port.

Personal effects and household goods

Personal shipments still require a BSC. The application must include an inventory of contents with estimated values. Even personal shipments without commercial value need the tracking note for customs clearance.

Perishable goods

Time-sensitive perishables (seafood, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals) need fast-tracked BSC processing. Coordinate with the issuing organization to ensure the BSC is validated before the goods leave, as delays at Toamasina can spoil the cargo.

Penalties

What happens when BSC compliance fails.

The DGD takes BSC compliance seriously. The consequences of shipping without a valid BSC range from financial penalties to cargo seizure. None of them are cheap.

Financial penalties
Shipments without a valid BSC face fines calculated as a percentage of the customs value, typically between 15% and 30%. The exact amount depends on the nature of the non-compliance and whether it is a first offense.
Clearance delays
Cargo without BSC validation is held at the port until the issue is resolved. This can mean days or weeks of terminal dwell time, during which demurrage and storage charges accumulate. The cost of delay often exceeds the penalty itself.
Cargo seizure risk
In cases of deliberate non-compliance or repeated violations, Malagasy customs has the authority to seize the cargo. Seizure proceedings are time-consuming and can result in the loss of the goods entirely.
Import privilege restriction
Persistent non-compliance can lead to restrictions on future import privileges. The DGD maintains records of violations, and repeat offenders face increased scrutiny on subsequent shipments.

Common mistakes

Errors that cause BSC problems at Toamasina.

Most BSC issues at Toamasina trace back to avoidable filing errors. Reviewing your application carefully before submission saves days of clearance delay and hundreds of dollars in penalties.

Incorrect cargo descriptions
The BSC must describe the goods accurately and completely. Vague descriptions like 'general merchandise' or 'assorted goods' raise red flags and can trigger physical inspection. Use specific, detailed descriptions that match the commercial invoice.
Mismatched values
The declared value on the BSC must match the commercial invoice exactly. Customs compares these documents during verification. A value discrepancy, even a small one, triggers yellow-channel inspection and potential penalties.
Wrong HS codes
Harmonized System codes determine duty rates and risk assessment. Incorrect HS codes on the BSC can lead to wrong duty calculations, additional inspections, and clearance delays. Verify HS codes before filing.
Late filing
Filing the BSC after the vessel or aircraft has departed is the most common error. It creates a race against time to get the BSC validated before the cargo arrives at Toamasina. File at least 5-7 days before departure.
Missing BSC number on documents
The BSC number must appear on the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and customs declaration. Missing or incorrect BSC references cause the customs system to reject the declaration.

BSC vs other documents

How the BSC fits into Madagascar import documentation.

The BSC is one document in a set. Understanding how it relates to the customs declaration, certificate of origin, and import permits prevents confusion and duplication.

Document	Purpose	Timing	Issued by
BSC (Cargo Tracking Note)	Pre-shipment cargo declaration for security and customs verification	Before goods leave origin	Designated BSC organizations (Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek, BIVAC)
Customs Declaration (DGD)	Formal import declaration filed at Toamasina via ASYcargo World	At or after cargo arrival	Customs broker on behalf of importer
Certificate of Origin	Proves where goods were manufactured for duty assessment	At time of export	Chamber of Commerce or authorized body in origin country
Import Permit	Authorizes specific restricted goods to enter Madagascar	Before shipment, varies by product	Relevant Malagasy ministry or authority

Common questions

BSC in Madagascar, answered.

What is a BSC in Madagascar?: The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is a Cargo Tracking Note, a mandatory document for all imports into Madagascar. It is a pre-shipment declaration that allows Malagasy customs to verify cargo details before the goods arrive at the port. Every shipment entering Madagascar, whether by sea, air, or land, requires a valid BSC.
Why is the BSC mandatory for Madagascar imports?: The BSC exists to improve security, prevent fraud, and speed up customs clearance. It gives Malagasy customs advance information about incoming cargo, allowing them to assess risk and assign the correct inspection channel before the vessel arrives. Without a BSC, cargo cannot clear customs at Toamasina or any other Malagasy port.
How do I obtain a BSC for Madagascar?: You or your freight forwarder must apply to one of the organizations designated by Madagascar's Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD) to issue BSCs. The application requires a commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping details. Once approved, the issuing organization transmits the BSC data electronically to Malagasy customs. The process typically takes 3-5 working days.
What documents are required to apply for a BSC?: Standard requirements include: commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, certificate of origin, and the importer's tax identification number. Some BSC issuing organizations may request additional documents depending on the cargo type or origin country.
When must I obtain the BSC?: The BSC must be validated before the goods leave the country of origin. For sea freight, this means before the vessel departs from the loading port. For air freight, before the aircraft departs. For road transport, before the truck crosses the border. Late BSC filing or retroactive applications can result in penalties and clearance delays.
What happens if I ship to Madagascar without a BSC?: Cargo without a valid BSC will be held at the port or border. The importer faces penalties, which can include fines and a percentage surcharge on the customs value. In some cases, the cargo may be seized or returned to the origin. Clearance delays of several days to weeks are common when BSC issues arise.
How much does a BSC cost?: BSC fees vary by issuing organization, cargo type, and origin country. Typical fees range from $150 to $400 per shipment, with surcharges for dangerous goods, oversized cargo, or expedited processing. The cost is separate from customs duties and should be factored into your landed cost calculation.
Is the BSC required for air freight to Madagascar?: Yes. The BSC requirement applies to all modes of transport: sea, air, and road. Air freight shipments require the same BSC documentation, and the filing must be completed before the aircraft departs from the origin airport.
Do I need a BSC for every origin country?: Yes. The BSC is required for all imports into Madagascar regardless of the country of origin. Whether shipping from China, India, South Africa, UAE, Europe, or any other country, a valid BSC is mandatory for customs clearance.
Can my freight forwarder handle the BSC for me?: Yes, most experienced freight forwarders handling Madagascar shipments can manage the BSC application on your behalf. They work with the designated BSC issuing organizations and ensure the filing is completed correctly and on time. This is one of the key services to confirm when choosing a forwarder for Madagascar.

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