ECTN Is Now Mandatory for All Shipments to Djibouti
Djibouti Ports and Free Zone Authority has made the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note mandatory for all shipments. The requirement has been in force since 15 June 2023.
Djibouti’s Ports and Free Zone Authority has officially implemented the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) as a mandatory requirement for all cargo destined for Djibouti’s ports. The rule came into force on 15 June 2023.
This means that all shippers, exporters, and freight forwarders with cargo bound for Djibouti must now ensure a valid ECTN number is in place before the vessel departs the port of loading. The ECTN number must also be clearly shown on the Bill of Lading.
Why Djibouti Introduced the ECTN
Djibouti is one of East Africa’s most strategically important port hubs — it handles a significant volume of transit cargo destined for landlocked countries like Ethiopia, Eritrea, and South Sudan. The ECTN programme gives port authorities advance visibility into incoming shipments, allowing for better planning and faster turnaround at the terminal.
The system also plays a role in reducing documentation fraud. By requiring certification to be issued at the port of loading, based on actual shipping documents, authorities can verify that cargo details are accurate before the vessel arrives.
Who Is Responsible for Obtaining the ECTN?
The responsibility for securing the ECTN sits with the shipper, exporter, or freight forwarder at the port of origin. It cannot be obtained at the destination port — the certificate must be in place before loading.
What You Need to Apply
To process a Djibouti ECTN, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Draft or original Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice (if not stated on the commercial invoice)
Once we receive your documents and payment, we’ll have your ECTN certificate processed and the number ready to include on the B/L.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Cargo arriving at Djibouti without a valid ECTN faces the prospect of delays, fines, and potential detention. Given that Djibouti serves as a critical transshipment point for the region, any delay at port can have knock-on effects for onward shipments to landlocked destinations.
If you need help with Djibouti ECTN certification or have questions about the current requirements, get in touch with our team.
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