East Africa · Djibouti Ports and Free Zone Authority document Djibouti ECTN Certificate
Get your Djibouti ECTN certificate through SCK Representation and avoid penalty fees at the destination port. Email sck@scktr.com for the required documents.
Validate before the vessel sails
Effective June 15th, 2023, an ECTN is mandatory for all cargo to Djibouti ports and the Free Zone. It must be obtained at the port of loading by shippers, exporters, or freight forwarders and reflected on the bill of lading.
No ECTN = fines & demurrage
Shipments lacking an ECTN will face penalties at the destination port; if the ECTN is not approved beforehand, a fine may be imposed, and the shipper is responsible for the loss.
Required Documents - Djibouti ECTN
Djibouti ECTN: full requirements
Djibouti ECTN Certificate
Last Updated: 18 December 2025 – Regulations are subject to change.
Djibouti Shipping? Get Your ECTN (BESC) Certificate with SCK Representation: Simplify your shipping process by submitting the necessary documents or using our online form. We guarantee smooth customs clearance and protection against penalties. While approvals typically occur within days, allocating a week is advisable for thorough planning. Avoid delays and extra charges by securing your Djibouti ECTN through SCK Representation now.
Thank you to SCK Rep. for impressive speed and communication. Our ECTN Certificate was processed in no time.
Attention to detail in CTN processing is second to none. Will recommend.
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Djibouti is a country situated in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and southwest, and Somalia to the southeast. The Gulf of Aden lies to the east, providing access to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The capital and largest city is Djibouti City. The official languages of Djibouti are Arabic and French. With a population of approximately 1 million people, Djibouti is a diverse nation with various ethnic groups, including the Afar and Issa Somali communities.

Djibouti ECTN Certificate
ECTN Mandate for Djibouti Ports Announced: Effective June 15th, 2023, the Djibouti Ports and Free Zone Authority mandates an ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) for all cargo to Djibouti ports and the Free Zone. This certificate, required to be obtained at the port of loading by shippers, exporters, or freight forwarders, must be reflected on the bill of lading.
Shipments lacking an ECTN will face penalties at the destination port. “SCK Representation” is ready to assist with your Djibouti ECTN needs, offering extensive experience and a proactive approach to ensure compliance and streamline your shipping process.
Regulations are subject to change, we recommend confirming the latest country-specific requirements with our team via email.
How can you get an ECTN Certificate for Djibouti?
You need to submit the following documents in the application for the ECTN certificate:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
To start the certification process, you should share PDF copies of the documents through sck@scktr.com. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of ECTN certificates. Please be sure to share the final documents, which will not have any more amendments later in the process. A penalty fee will occur for the modifications after validating the certificates.
Is there a penalty if I don’t obtain the Djibouti ECTN before my shipment arrives?
Yes, there is a penalty if you do not obtain the Djibouti ECTN before your shipment arrives. If the ECTN is not approved beforehand, a fine may be imposed. It’s important to ensure the ECTN is processed and approved before shipping to avoid any delays or penalties.

How long does it take to get Djibouti ECTN approval?
If all the mandatory documents are supplied and consistent, a draft copy of the certificate is issued within a day. Once we have your confirmation on the draft and the payment, the certificate goes for verification. Verification approval is usually received within a day, although the process can take about a week. For more information and document samples, contact our team at sck@scktr.com.
Can I use the same ECTN number for various shipments?
No. The ECTN is unique and limited to a single shipment. Every cargo needs its own verified ECTN number.
Responsibility
The responsibility to get the ECTN/BESC certificate is on the shipper’s side. Transports without a certificate are penalized, and the shipper will be responsible for the loss.
Verified Compliance Review
This content is reviewed to ensure accuracy and consistency with ECTN (CTN, BESC, BSC, BIETC, FERI, ACID, ACD) procedures, based on current operational practices and applicable regulatory frameworks at the time of the last update.
Official Djibouti ECTN sources
The Djibouti ECTN has been mandatory since 15 June 2023 for all containerized cargo unloaded in Djibouti and cargo entering the Djibouti Free Zone. The number goes on the final Bill of Lading. Cargo in direct transit to Ethiopia is exempt when the Bill of Lading states “In transit to Ethiopia” and the consignee is in Ethiopia.
Sources checked on 16 October 2026.
What a validated Djibouti ECTN looks like
A certificate we filed, with the customer fields masked. Use it to check the layout, where the authority stamp sits and where the reference number is printed.
Djibouti ECTN: the complete guide
Issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply - in one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cargo in transit to Ethiopia need a Djibouti ECTN?
Is the Djibouti CTN the same as the Djibouti ECTN?
How can you get an ECTN Certificate for Djibouti?
Is there a penalty if I don't obtain the Djibouti ECTN before my shipment arrives?
How long does it take to get approval?
Can I use the same ECTN number for various shipments?
Latest Djibouti updates
Procedure changes and official notices from the issuing authority.
Also shipping to other African ports?
Each destination has its own cargo tracking note. The countries below share this document family or this corridor.
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