Djibouti ECTN Certificate

Djibouti ECTN — What It Is and Why It’s Required

Since June 15, 2023, all ocean freight shipments destined for Djibouti ports and the Free Zone require an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note). The requirement was introduced by Djibouti port authorities to give customs advance visibility of incoming cargo and to improve port management efficiency at one of the world’s most strategically important transit hubs.

Djibouti sits at the intersection of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden — one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The port is the primary maritime gateway for Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Horn of Africa region, handling the vast majority of Ethiopia’s ocean freight traffic. Delays in Djibouti have immediate knock-on effects across the region, so getting your ECTN right before the vessel departs is critical.

Required Documents

To obtain a Djibouti ECTN, submit clear PDF copies of:

• Bill of Lading — draft copy accepted for the initial application
• Commercial Invoice — must show accurate cargo value
• Freight Invoice — required if freight is not shown on the commercial invoice

Hard copies are not needed. All documents are submitted and processed digitally.

Processing Time — Apply Early

Djibouti authorities recommend initiating the ECTN process at least 5 days before the vessel departs. That is more lead time than most countries require, so factor it into your timeline from the moment you confirm a booking.

In practice, a draft certificate is issued within one working day if documents are complete and consistent. Final validation typically follows within a day after payment confirmation — but the 5-day buffer exists because amendments and corrections add time, and Djibouti port is unforgiving of last-minute submissions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Cargo arriving at Djibouti port or the Free Zone without a valid, pre-approved ECTN faces financial penalties at the port of discharge. Given Djibouti’s role as a transshipment hub, any cargo hold-up here doesn’t just affect your immediate shipment — it creates downstream disruption for goods connecting onward to Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the broader Horn of Africa.

Demurrage accumulates rapidly at Djibouti due to the port’s high throughput levels. Getting the ECTN right the first time is substantially cheaper than resolving a penalty situation after arrival.

Already Arrived Without an ECTN?

If your cargo has reached Djibouti without a valid ECTN and a fine has been issued, contact us immediately. We have direct experience handling post-arrival documentation situations in Djibouti and can help minimise the impact and get your cargo moving as quickly as possible.

Djibouti — Strategic Importance

• Located on the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia
• Official languages: Arabic and French
• Handles approximately 95% of Ethiopia’s seaborne trade
• Major transshipment hub for East Africa and Horn of Africa markets
• Home to the Djibouti Free Zone, one of East Africa’s most active special economic zones
• Population: approximately 1 million

What Products Cannot Be Imported Into Djibouti?

Standard East African import restrictions apply:

• Animals and animal by-products from areas with active epizootic diseases
• Plants from areas affected by epiphytic diseases
• Goods prohibited under international sanctions or Djibouti customs regulations

We do not issue ECTN certificates for prohibited goods.

FAQ

When did the Djibouti ECTN requirement start? The requirement became effective June 15, 2023. Enforcement has become progressively stricter since then — penalties are now actively being imposed.

Does the ECTN cover transit cargo moving to Ethiopia? Yes. The Djibouti ECTN covers cargo discharged at Djibouti port, including cargo in transit to Ethiopia and other destinations. A separate certificate for Ethiopia is not required for the sea leg.

How early should I apply? At least 5 working days before vessel departure. If in doubt, apply earlier.

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