In one example, a method includes performing L2 learning of a C-MAC address included in a first L2 data message by a first provider edge (PE) router included in an Ethernet Segment of a Provider-Backbone Bridging Ethernet Virtual Private Network (PBB-EVPN); sending to a second PE router within the Ethernet Segment an L2 control message comprising the C-MAC address and a B-MAC address corresponding to the Ethernet Segment of the PBB-EVPN, wherein the L2 control message informs the second PE router of the reachability of the C-MAC address through the first PE router; receiving, by the first PE router and from the second PE router, a second L2 data message as unicast traffic destined for the C-MAC address; and forwarding the second L2 data message to the first CE router.