Asia
Import to Djibouti
Located just east of Ethiopia in the East of Africa, Djibouti is considered part of the Middle East. The government has made ambitious plans to improve Djibouti’s tech infrastructure and move the country towards expanding its economy and strengthening its position as a logistics and commercial hub in the region.

Tax
up to 10%
Duties
up to 30%
Lead Times
3-4 weeks
Restricted Items
N/A
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight forwarder
Non-Working Days
Fridays and Public Holidays ‘
Prominent Language
Afar, Arabic, Somali, and French
The Trade Landscape in Djibouti
Djibouti is growing its global trade landscape, becoming a logistical hub for the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The government has launched initiatives to improve internet access and develop tech infrastructure. Additionally, efforts are being made to attract foreign investment in the IT sector and create a more supportive regulatory environment. Djibouti also maintains close ties with the governments of Somalia, Ethiopia, France, and the United States, further encouraging trade.
Djibouti is also a part of various free trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), providing the ease of trade for Djibouti and other African countries. Navigating the trade landscape in this complex environment is challenging, and having TecEx as the Importer of Record will help get your goods to where they need to be in Djibouti.
Population
1.2M
Biggest Industry by Export
Coffee
Capital City
Djibouti City
Biggest Industry by Import
Mineral Fuels
Djibouti’s and The Red Sea
Djibouti is strategically located along the Red Sea. Geopolitical tensions and various attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea have made Djibouti a popular transshipment hub, where commercial ships transfer their cargo to smaller vessels, protecting the shipments before continuing through the challenging waters.
Challenges Associated with Imports to Djibouti
Infrastructural Challenges
Djibouti lacks essential infrastructure such as data centers and fiber optic cables, which are crucial for fostering a thriving digital environment. Low internet penetration rates and costly, unreliable connections also make it challenging for businesses and individuals to import and utilize tech products efficiently.
Government Regulations
Government regulations, policies, and licensing requirements can sometimes hinder the import and use of specific technologies into Djibouti. Imported IT products are often subject to high taxes and import duties, making them significantly more expensive than in other countries.
Countries Associated with Djibouti
Asia
India
Asia
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The Value of TecEx as the Importer of Record
Leverage TecEx’s tailored Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping solution. With DDP incoterms, we seamlessly manage the entire process, handling pre-compliance, customs clearance, and final delivery in Djibouti. Our expert knowledge of Djibouti customs gives you peace of mind as we solve all your tech import needs and get your goods to where they need to be in Djibouti.
Specific Compliance Regulations for Imports to Djibouti
Djibouti ECTN Certificate
An Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is a mandatory document for all imports to Djibouti. This certificate requires various information, including information on the ports and the vessel. Further, documents, such as a Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice, are also needed to obtain the ECTN certificate. TecEx will gather all information required for this certificate to maintain customs compliance.
Pre-Compliance Checks
Pre-compliance checks at the border are common for tech imports into Djibouti. It is therefore crucial that all tech goods imported into the country match the requirements and regulations of Djibouti’s customs. TecEx takes on the responsibility of this and will ensure that all import requirements are in order, with the correct translations where necessary.
Free Trade Zones
The Djibouti Free Trade Zone is set to be one of Africa’s largest free trade zones. Although these zones encourage and promote trade, different documents and requirements are needed for imports. We can ensure that your tech goods enter the Djibouti free trade zone successfully.
Import to Djibouti Today
Let TecEx take control of all of your tech imports to Djibouti. We will make sure your goods reach their final destination, accommodating all of your specific needs.