East Africa · Federal Republic of Somalia Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport document

Somalia CTN Certificate

We obtain and validate Somalia CTN certificates from our Istanbul office. Email sck@scktr.com to start your application.

Avoid port penalties & demurrage Authorized agent since 2001 Documents pre-screened 4.9 · 118 Google reviews
CTN At a glance
CertificateCTN
DestinationSomalia
StatusMandatory
Processing1–3 business days
ValidityOne validated CTN per Bill of Lading
AuthorityFederal Republic of Somalia Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport
2001
Issuing tracking notes since
25+
African destinations served
Hours
Typical draft turnaround
1:1
Dedicated file specialist
The deadline that matters

Validate before the vessel sails

Effective February 1, 2023, Somalia mandates a CTN for all incoming shipments. Since April 29, 2023, all transactions involving Somalia must include an ECTN Reference Number on the Bill of Lading.

Cost of non-compliance

No CTN = fines & demurrage

The absence of the CTN paperwork can lead to severe penalties and significant fees, and applies to every type of cargo imported for commercial, business, diplomatic, or personal use.

Regulatory mandate

Required Documents — Somalia CTN

Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice
Freight Invoice
On video

Somalia CTN — short explainer

Country Guide

Somalia CTN: full requirements

Last Updated: 18 December 2025 – Regulations are subject to change.

The CTN (Cargo Tracking Note), also referred to as ECTN, is a crucial electronic cargo tracking system enforced for all shipments heading to over 24 African countries. This system is designed to bolster security and streamline trade, enabling authorities to monitor cargo from its origin to its final destination. Notably, starting February 1, 2023, Somalia will join the list of countries requiring a CTN for incoming shipments.

Choosing them for Somalia CTN Certificates is a no-brainer. They’re the best at what they do. Thank you for your continued service.

Somalia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, and Kenya to the southwest. It has a population of around 15 million people. The official language is Somali and the capital and largest city is Mogadishu. The country has a diverse population with a mix of ethnic groups including Somali, Bantu, and Arab.

Effective February 1, 2023, Somalia mandates a CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) for all incoming shipments, a crucial document for loading. Known alternatively as an ECTN, BSC, or BESC, the absence of this paperwork can lead to severe penalties and significant fees. This regulation applies to every type of cargo imported for commercial, business, diplomatic, or personal use, ensuring all shipments are accompanied by a CTN to facilitate monitoring and compliance.

Starting April 29th, 2023, the Somalia government requires that all transactions involving Somalia include an ECTN Reference Number on the bill of lading. This measure ensures enhanced tracking and compliance for goods entering the country.

maersk somalia ectn SCK

The CTN waiver certificate must be obtained from the authorized representative by the shipper or freight forwarder.

Which documents are required for Somalia CTN?

The following documents are required to issue a CTN certificate:

  • Bill of lading
  • Commercial invoice
  • Freight invoice
  • Application form (We can fill this form on your behalf)

All documents should be legibly scanned and sent via e-mail.

Regulations are subject to change, we recommend confirming the latest country-specific requirements with our team via email.

Federal Republic of Somalia Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport Official Notice.

Warqadda notice ah 2

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.

Sample certificate

What a validated Somalia CTN 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.

Masked sample of a validated Somalia CTN certificate
Full guide

Somalia CTN: the complete guide

Issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply — in one page.

Read the Somalia CTN guide

Questions, answered

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Somalia CTN become mandatory?
Effective February 1, 2023, Somalia mandates a CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) for all incoming shipments.
Does the CTN reference need to be on the Bill of Lading?
Yes. Starting April 29, 2023, the Somalia government requires that all transactions involving Somalia include an ECTN Reference Number on the Bill of Lading.
Which documents are required for the Somalia CTN?
A Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice, and an application form. All documents should be legibly scanned and sent via e-mail.
Which shipments does the CTN requirement apply to?
It applies to every type of cargo imported for commercial, business, diplomatic, or personal use.

Also shipping to other African ports?

Each destination has its own cargo tracking note. We handle them all under one roof.

Trusted by exporters and freight forwarders shipping from Türkiye to Africa

A few of the brands that rely on us for the ECTN, BESC and CTN documents their cargo needs.

DHL DHL
Maersk Maersk
CMA CGM CMA CGM
APL APL
CEVA Logistics CEVA Logistics
Bolloré Logistics Bolloré Logistics
Aramex Aramex
SGS SGS
Nestlé Nestlé
Danone Danone
TotalEnergies TotalEnergies
Heidelberg Materials Heidelberg Materials
Arkas Lojistik Arkas Lojistik
Horoz Lojistik Horoz Lojistik
Mutlu Makarna Mutlu Makarna
Nuh'un Ankara Makarnası Nuh'un Ankara Makarnası
Oba Makarna Oba Makarna
Pakmaya Pakmaya
Remant Logistics Remant Logistics
OCETRA OCETRA
Africa Global Logistics Africa Global Logistics
Naxco Naxco
CCIS CCIS
Gulf First Shipping & Logistics Gulf First Shipping & Logistics
Globelink West Star Shipping Globelink West Star Shipping

Ready to get your Somalia CTN?

Send your documents. We check your file and issue the validated certificate your cargo needs to clear customs at the destination port.