ITR Logistics and Trade DMCC
July 28, 2025

New Penalties for Missing ECTN Certificates on Djibouti Shipments

Djibouti authorities have confirmed that penalties are now being actively enforced for cargo arriving without a valid ECTN certificate. Here's what you need to know to avoid fines.

Djibouti’s ECTN requirement has been in force since June 2023 — but enforcement of the associated penalties has now become significantly more active. We’re seeing more cases of fines being issued at the port for shipments that arrive without a valid Electronic Cargo Tracking Note.

If you’re shipping to Djibouti and you’re not yet consistently getting your ECTN in place before the vessel departs, now is the time to make it a standard part of your pre-shipment process.

What Are the Consequences of Arriving Without an ECTN?

Cargo arriving at Djibouti without a valid ECTN number on the Bill of Lading can face:

  • Financial penalties imposed at the port of discharge
  • Delays in customs clearance, which in turn leads to demurrage and storage costs
  • Cargo being held until the documentation situation is resolved

Djibouti is a critical port for East Africa and a major transshipment hub for Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the broader Horn of Africa region. Delays here don’t just affect your immediate shipment — they can cause downstream issues for any cargo that’s connecting onward.

Who Is Responsible for the ECTN?

The shipper, exporter, or freight forwarder at the port of loading is responsible for obtaining the ECTN. It must be arranged before the vessel sails. The ECTN number must then be clearly printed on the Bill of Lading.

This isn’t something that can be sorted out after the fact at the destination port.

Already Facing a Penalty?

If you have a shipment that’s arrived in Djibouti without an ECTN and a fine has been issued, contact us immediately. We have experience dealing with post-arrival documentation situations and can often help minimise the impact and get cargo moving as quickly as possible.

Get Your Next Djibouti Shipment Right

Djibouti authorities recommend initiating the ECTN process at least 5 days before the vessel departs. That’s more lead time than most countries require, so build it into your timeline from the start. For any upcoming shipments to Djibouti, send us your draft Bill of Lading documents and we’ll get the process started straight away.

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