Reminder — ECTN Is Mandatory for All Shipments to Mali

Mali’s Customs Authority has issued a fresh reminder to shippers and freight forwarders: the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is mandatory for all cargo destined for Mali, and the certificate must be obtained at the port of loading before the shipment departs.

This isn’t a new requirement — Mali has required ECTN certification for some time — but the reminder signals that Malian customs are paying close attention to compliance and are prepared to penalise shipments that arrive without valid documentation.

What the Reminder Says

The key message from Malian Customs is clear:

The ECTN must be obtained at the port of loading prior to shipment.

Cargo that arrives at the Malian border without a valid ECTN faces potential penalties and processing delays. Given that Mali is a landlocked country and most cargo transits through multiple countries before reaching its final destination, any hold-up at the border can have serious knock-on effects for delivery timelines.

Why This Matters More for Landlocked Mali

Mali’s cargo typically enters through the ports of Dakar (Senegal), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), or occasionally Lomé (Togo) before being transported overland. By the time any documentation problem is discovered at the Malian border, the cargo is already deep inland — making it far more difficult and expensive to resolve than a port hold at the point of origin.

Getting the ECTN sorted before the vessel loads is the only reliable way to avoid this scenario.

Don’t Confuse This With the Mali Grace Period

If you’re familiar with the “grace period for shipments to Mali” that was in effect a few years ago, be aware that the grace period has long since ended. The ECTN requirement is fully in force and there are no transitional provisions remaining.

Apply Before Your Vessel Loads

If you have cargo heading to Mali, reach out to us with your draft Bill of Lading details as early as possible. We process ECTN applications quickly and can have your certificate ready well ahead of the vessel’s departure date.

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