Djibouti
Electronic Cargo Tracking Note
ECTNElectronic tracking note for the port of discharge
Shipments to Djibouti need a ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note).
Who applies?
The shipper or the freight forwarder files it.
How long does it take?
Draft the same day once the application is complete.
Djibouti ECTN guide
Who runs it, where the cargo discharges, and the rules your file is checked against.
- Issuing body
- Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority
- Port of discharge
- Djibouti
Rules to know
- Cargo moving on to Ethiopia through the port of Djibouti is generally covered by the Djibouti ECTN requirement.
Documents to prepare for Djibouti
Tick what you already have. Send them when the list is complete, or send what you have now and we tell you what is missing.
List from our operations team, updated 20 July 2026.
Before you apply
Send your documents, we check them first
Upload the draft bill of lading or invoice. We check the details the ECTN needs and tell you what to fix before anything is filed.
- Your files go only to our certificate team.
- You decide whether to apply after our reply.
Last updated: March 2026
A Djibouti ECTN certificate (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory shipping document required for all cargo entering or transiting through Djibouti. Starting on June 15, 2023, the Djibouti Ports and Free Zone Authority made it a requirement that all shipments — including transit shipments — obtain a Djibouti ECTN. The law applies to all commodities without any exceptions, and the ECTN reference number must be included on the bill of lading. Without it, exporters face fines of twice the CTN cost plus regulation fees.
We offer Djibouti ECTN certificates forTürkiye .
Djibouti is one of Africa’s most strategically located ports, handling trade for over 100 million people in the Horn of Africa and landlocked Ethiopia. The Port of Djibouti handles approximately 95% of Ethiopia’s international trade, making ECTN compliance essential for exporters to the region. For general information, see our guide on what is a CTN certificate.
What is an ECTN Certificate?
ECTN is an abbreviation for Electronic Cargo Tracking Note. This certificate empowers authorities to effectively track, manage, and supervise all cargo from loading to discharge. It provides valuable information about shipments before they reach their destination, including details about the exporter, importer, transported goods and their value, freight costs, shipment type, vessel name, and more.
The ECTN is used across Africa under different names in each country — for example, it’s called BSC/BESC in French-speaking West Africa, FERI in DR Congo, and ACD in neighboring Sudan. Djibouti is one of the newest countries to implement this requirement, joining over 25 African nations that mandate cargo tracking certificates.
What are the required documents?
There are 3 required documents for the Djibouti ECTN process:
- Bill of Lading: It is a document that provides information about the exporter, the importer, the weight of the goods, the shipping line, the vessel name, etc.
- Commercial Invoice: It contains details of the goods, the freight cost, the incoterm, and some other charges if there is any, etc.
- Freight Invoice: It is a document only necessary if the freight cost isn’t on the commercial invoice.
Make sure all documents are accurate and complete before submission. See our guide on the top 20 mistakes to avoid when getting a CTN to prevent costly errors.
What are the consequences of not having this certificate?
It is essential to possess this certificate at least five days before the vessel’s arrival at the destination port. Failure to comply may result in a fine equivalent to twice the CTN cost, in addition to a regulation fee.
Given Djibouti’s role as the primary trade gateway for landlocked Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa, delays at port can have major supply chain consequences. Learn more about why outsourcing your CTN to an experienced provider helps avoid these risks.
Pricing
Certificate cost depends on the number of Bill of Ladings and the containers, the country of origin, the port of discharge, etc. If you share your shipment’s details with us we can send you an exact quote for your certificate. We offer free quotations — contact us or see our pricing page for more details.
How long does it take to get Djibouti ECTN certificate?
We provide draft Djibouti ECTN certificates the same day. We provide certificates to exporters all over the World.
Which ports in Djibouti require ECTN certificate?
All ports in Djibouti require an ECTN certificate. Djibouti’s port infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years, with over $3.5 billion invested in port development. The major ports include:
- Doraleh Multipurpose Port (DMP):
The newest and most modern port in Djibouti, opened in 2017. It handles containers, general cargo, and bulk commodities with a capacity of over 7 million tonnes per year. - Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT):
A dedicated container terminal with deep-water berths capable of handling the largest container ships. It is a major transshipment hub for East Africa. - Old Port of Djibouti:
The original port in Djibouti city, now primarily handling smaller vessels, livestock exports, and local trade. - Port of Tadjoura:
Located on the northern coast, this port primarily handles salt exports and serves the northern regions of Djibouti.
Related Certificates You May Need
If you’re shipping to or through countries near Djibouti, you may also need one of these certificates:
- Somalia CTN — required for cargo entering Somalia, Djibouti’s southeastern neighbor
- Sudan ACD — required for cargo entering Sudan (Advance Cargo Declaration)
- Yemen ACD — required for cargo crossing the Gulf of Aden to Yemen
- Burundi ECTN — landlocked country that may use Djibouti as an alternative port
Learn about all the different names of ECTN by country or read our guide on how to choose the right CTN service provider.
Memberships and certifications
Membership
Certifications
- ISO 9001:2015Quality management
- ISO 14001Environmental management
- ISO/IEC 27001Information security management
Updates for Djibouti
- ECTNDjibouti: penalty for cargo arriving without an ECTNDjibouti has introduced a penalty for shipments that arrive without a valid ECTN, on top of the clearance delays they already faced.
- ECTNDjibouti: ECTN mandatory for all shipments from 15 June 2023The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority made the ECTN mandatory for shipments to Djibouti ports from 15 June 2023.
