Somalia
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • ECTN Number (mandatory in the specific 16-character format CTNSML YYYY NNNNNN in Cargo Description field), 6-digit HS Code, and consignee commercial tax registration mandatory on B/L and manifest.
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
The 16-character ECTN number (format CTNSML YYYY NNNNNN) must appear specifically in the Cargo Description field of Master B/L and House B/L. Consignee contact details and tax registration must appear on transport documents.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • ECTN is mandatory for all cargo discharging at Port of Mogadishu and must be validated prior to departure.
- • Mandatory pre-shipment Certificate of Conformity issued by SOBS-accredited inspection bodies for regulated commodities.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 10 years from manufacture
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • Arabic or English product labeling mandatory on all retail goods.
- • Halal certificate and official veterinary health certificate strictly mandatory for all imported meat products.
- • Pork and alcohol products totally prohibited.
- • Motor vehicles older than 10 years face elevated customs valuation scales.
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance strictly enforced at Port of Mogadishu and Berbera.
- • 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.
Consignee must be a registered Somali commercial entity or trader with active tax and commercial credentials. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer with complete physical address in Mogadishu or destination port, local phone number, and tax details stated on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Cargo arriving at Port of Mogadishu without a validated ECTN (format CTNSML YYYY NNNNNN) faces discharge refusal and heavy carrier penalties. Non-certified food commodities face immediate customs rejection.
Compliance Timeline for Somalia
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Complete pre-shipment inspection (PVoC / CoC) via SOBS Accredited Bodies (Cotecna, Bureau Veritas, SGS) before cargo is stuffed.
- ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (10 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. (Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport / Authorized ECTN Agents)
- ✓ 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.
- ✓ Present original Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to destination standards inspectors.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Somalia (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.