Djibouti
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • ECTN Number, 6-digit HS Code, and consignee NIF (or Ethiopian TIN for transit) mandatory on Ocean B/L and manifest.
- • For Ethiopian transit cargo, mandatory notation required: "Cargo in transit to Ethiopia via Djibouti Port at consignee's risk and expense".
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
ECTN number must appear on the final B/L and manifest. Consignee can be an authorized commercial bank, but must state full branch address in Djibouti or Ethiopia. For cargo continuing inland to Ethiopia, the explicit transit clause ("Cargo in transit to Ethiopia via Djibouti Port") must appear in the goods description.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • DPFZA ECTN registration must be validated prior to vessel departure.
- • Commercial invoice, packing list, and transit declaration filed electronically via the DPFZA / Port de Djibouti single window.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 8 years from manufacture
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • English, French, or Arabic product labeling mandatory on all consumer commodities.
- • Halal certificate and official veterinary health certificate mandatory for all imported meat and poultry products.
- • Used passenger motor vehicles exceeding 8 years are prohibited from domestic import.
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance strictly enforced at Doraleh Container Terminal and DMP.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
- • Generic "to order" is not accepted — only "to order of [named bank]" is permitted.
Consignee for domestic cargo must be a registered Djiboutian entity with an active NIF. For Ethiopian transit, the consignee must be a registered Ethiopian entity or an authorized commercial bank in Djibouti/Ethiopia. "To Order" B/Ls must be consigned strictly to "To Order of [Named Bank in Djibouti or Ethiopia]". PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Transit cargo lacking a validated ECTN is blocked from rail and road dispatch to Addis Ababa at Doraleh Container Terminal. Consigning to a foreign bank outside Djibouti/Ethiopia halts customs manifest clearance.
Compliance Timeline for Djibouti
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Confirm commercial invoice and packing list accuracy with consignee.
- ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (8 yrs passenger).
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Inscribe validated ECTN certificate number onto the Ocean B/L text and carrier manifest. (DPFZA (Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority))
- ✓ Generic "to order" is not accepted — only "to order of [named bank]" is permitted.
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Submit validated ECTN electronic tracking note to destination customs authority.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Djibouti (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.