Djibouti ECTN Certificate — The Complete Guide
How the Djibouti ECTN certificate works: issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply.
This guide covers the ECTN certificate for shipments to Djibouti — who issues it, which documents it needs, how the application runs and what the validation rules are. For the country procedure page, see Djibouti ECTN.
Overview
The ECTN — Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN / BESC) — is the cargo tracking certificate required for shipments to Djibouti. It is issued by Djibouti Ports and Free Zone Authority. Requirement status: Mandatory.
Sample ECTN certificate
A Djibouti ECTN 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.
Required documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
Application process
1. Send your documents
Share PDF copies of the required documents via sck@scktr.com, or upload them through the application form. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of ECTN certificates.
2. Draft is prepared
Once complete, consistent documents arrive, a draft is prepared for your confirmation. A file specialist checks the shipment details against the documents before anything is filed.
3. Confirm the draft
Check every field on the draft — consignee, ports, weights, values and container references. Final documents must be submitted without further amendments; corrections after validation are charged separately.
4. Filing and validation
The confirmed file is submitted to the issuing authority for validation. The ECTN number is issued at validation, so it cannot be shown on documents prepared before that point.
5. Certificate delivered
The validated certificate is sent to you and can accompany the cargo to the destination port.
Timeline
- Processing time: a few days
- Validity: One validated ECTN per Bill of Lading
The exact cut-off depends on the destination and the vessel schedule; confirm the deadline for your shipment with our team before filing.
Special rules
Validation deadline. 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.
Non-compliance. 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.
Frequently asked questions
How can you get an ECTN Certificate for Djibouti?
Submit PDF copies of the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Freight Invoice via sck@scktr.com. No hard copies are needed for issuance.
Is there a penalty if I don’t obtain the Djibouti ECTN before my shipment arrives?
Yes. If the ECTN is not approved beforehand, a fine may be imposed, so it is important to ensure it is processed and approved before shipping to avoid delays or penalties.
How long does it take to get approval?
A draft is issued in a day if all documents are complete, and approval for verification is usually received in a day, though the process may take about a week.
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.
Ready to file? Apply for a ECTN certificate or go back to the Djibouti ECTN procedure page. All country guides: Country guides.