Import compliance
BSC · Cargo Tracking Note · Madagascar · Guide
BSC Madagascar: the step-by-step guide.
The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is mandatory for every shipment to Madagascar. This guide walks you through registration, documents, the filing process, and the timeline you need to respect.
TL;DR
The short version.
The BSC is mandatory for all shipments to Madagascar, regardless of origin or transport mode. Register on bscmg.sgs.com, prepare your commercial invoice, B/L, packing list, and export declaration. Fill the draft online with HS codes and FOB values, submit for validation, and receive approval within 48 hours. Download the validated certificate and ensure the BSC number appears on all shipping documents before the vessel departs.
What is a BSC
A mandatory cargo tracking document managed by GasyNet.
The BSC, or Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons, is a pre-shipment declaration required for all imports into Madagascar. It gives Malagasy customs advance information about incoming cargo, allowing them to assess risk and assign inspection channels before the vessel arrives.
The system is managed by GasyNet (formerly SGS Madagascar) and applies to sea, air, and road transport. Without a validated BSC, cargo cannot clear customs at Toamasina or any other Malagasy port. The BSC must be validated before the goods leave the country of origin.
The process
Five steps from registration to validated BSC.
The process is straightforward when done correctly. Start early, verify every detail, and confirm the BSC number before the goods depart.
01
Register on www.bscmg.sgs.com
Create an account on the official BSC portal. Both the shipper and consignee must be registered. The shipper initiates the BSC filing; the consignee validates the data on their end.
02
Prepare your documents
Gather the commercial invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, packing list, and export declaration. Every document must be accurate and complete before you start the online filing.
03
Fill the draft BSC online
Enter cargo details, HS codes, FOB values, and transport information into the portal. The data must match your commercial invoice exactly. Double-check every field before proceeding.
04
Submit for validation
Once the draft is complete, submit it for validation. The system reviews the application and cross-references the data. You receive a response within 48 hours if everything is correct.
05
Download the validated certificate
After approval, download the validated BSC certificate. The BSC number must appear on all shipping documents, including the Bill of Lading and customs declaration. Confirm it is active before the vessel departs.
Required documents
What you need before you start the filing.
Gather these documents before opening the BSC portal. Missing or incomplete documents delay processing and can cause rejection.
Commercial invoice
Shows the seller, buyer, goods description, unit price, total value, and Incoterms. The invoice value must match the BSC application exactly.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
The carrier's transport document. The BSC number should be referenced on this document for customs alignment.
Packing list
Itemised contents, gross and net weights, dimensions, and package count. Customs cross-references this against the BSC data.
Export declaration
The formal export record from the country of origin. Required to complete the BSC filing and verify the cargo has been cleared for departure.
Common mistakes
Errors that cause BSC rejections and delays.
Most BSC problems trace back to avoidable filing errors. Review your application carefully before submission to save days of clearance delay.
Mismatched values
The declared value on the BSC must match the commercial invoice exactly. Even small discrepancies trigger inspection and delays at Toamasina.
Missing HS codes
Harmonized System codes determine duty rates and risk assessment. Incorrect or missing HS codes lead to wrong duty calculations and clearance holds.
Missing NIF
The Malagasy importer's tax identification number (NIF) is required to link the BSC to the importing entity. Without it, the customs declaration cannot be filed.
Non-PDF format
Supporting documents must be submitted in PDF format. Other file types are rejected by the portal, causing delays in the validation process.
Timeline
How long validation takes and how to plan.
If your application is complete and accurate, the BSC validation takes approximately 48 hours. If there are errors or missing information, the process can stretch to 3-7 working days as the system requests corrections and re-submission.
Plan at least one week before your shipment departure date. This gives you a buffer for any corrections needed and ensures the BSC number is active and linked to your cargo before the vessel leaves the port of loading.
Late filing or retroactive BSC applications create race-against-time situations at Toamasina, often resulting in penalties and clearance delays that cost more than the BSC fee itself.
Common questions
BSC Madagascar, answered.
- What is a BSC and do I need one?
- The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is a mandatory Cargo Tracking Note for ALL shipments to Madagascar. Every import, regardless of origin, transport mode, or cargo value, requires a valid BSC before the goods leave the country of origin.
- How do I register on the BSC portal?
- Go to www.bscmg.sgs.com and create an account. Both the shipper and consignee must register. The shipper fills in the draft BSC with cargo details, HS codes, and FOB values. The consignee confirms the information on their side.
- What documents are required?
- You need four core documents: commercial invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, packing list, and export declaration. Some cases may require additional documents depending on cargo type and origin country.
- How long does validation take?
- If your application is complete and accurate, validation typically takes 48 hours. If there are errors or missing information, the process can stretch to 3-7 days. Plan at least one week ahead of your shipment departure.
- What are common rejection reasons?
- The most common reasons for rejection are: mismatched values between the BSC and commercial invoice, missing or incorrect HS codes, missing importer NIF (tax ID), and submitting documents in non-PDF format.
- Can my forwarder handle it?
- Yes, most experienced freight forwarders managing Madagascar shipments can handle the BSC filing on your behalf. Confirm this service when choosing your forwarder, as it is a critical part of the import compliance chain.
Need help with your BSC filing? Message us on WhatsApp.
Send your cargo details and shipping timeline. We will walk you through the BSC process and confirm the steps for your specific shipment.