Somalia ECTN Regulation — Mandatory from April 2023
Somalia has made the ECTN reference number mandatory on all Bills of Lading for shipments destined for the country, effective 29 April 2023.
The Somali government has mandated that an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) Reference Number must appear on the Bill of Lading for all goods destined for Somalia. The requirement came into force on 29 April 2023.
This makes Somalia one of several East African nations to introduce cargo tracking requirements in 2023, joining Djibouti which implemented a similar rule in June of the same year.
What Does This Mean for Shippers?
If you’re sending cargo to Somalia — whether to Mogadishu, Berbera, Bosaso, or any other Somali port — you now need to have an ECTN certificate in place before the vessel departs the port of loading. The ECTN number must be clearly stated on the Bill of Lading.
Shipments that arrive without a valid ECTN number risk being rejected at port or subjected to significant delays and penalties.
Why Somalia Introduced the ECTN
Like many of the East and West African countries that have rolled out cargo tracking requirements in recent years, Somalia’s aim is to give port authorities advance knowledge of incoming cargo. This helps with planning unloading operations, managing customs resources, and — importantly — cracking down on smuggling and undervaluation of goods.
The ECTN system works because it requires detailed documentation to be submitted and verified before loading. This means the cargo description, freight value, and shipper details are on record well before the vessel arrives.
How to Get a Somalia ECTN
The ECTN must be obtained at the port of loading. The shipper or freight forwarder is responsible for applying — it cannot be done by the importer in Somalia after the ship has sailed.
To apply, you’ll need to provide:
- Draft Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice (if the freight is not included in the commercial invoice)
Once we receive your documents, we’ll process the application and issue the ECTN number promptly so it can be included on your B/L before departure.
Contact our team to get started or to ask any questions about the current Somalia ECTN requirements.
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