If you’ve submitted an incorrect ECTN number, don’t panic—there’s a reliable way to fix it without disrupting your shipment. The key is quick action, accurate resubmission of documents, and prompt coordination with your ECTN agent. In most cases, errors can be resolved within 24–48 hours, keeping your cargo on schedule and avoiding costly delays.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to correct an incorrect ECTN number efficiently, why accuracy is critical, and what steps you can take to avoid issues in future shipments.

✅ Why the ECTN Number Matters

An Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is a mandatory compliance document required by several African countries. The ECTN number is the unique code tied to your shipment’s data, enabling customs officials to verify and track cargo even before it arrives at the port.

If the ECTN number is wrong—or associated with incorrect documentation—it can cause serious problems like customs clearance delays, port fines, storage fees, or even rejection of the cargo.

Take this example: A freight forwarder exporting medical supplies to ECTN South Sudan submitted a certificate with the wrong exporter address. Customs flagged the inconsistency, held the shipment at Juba Port, and the client incurred over $3,000 in demurrage fees. A simple error snowballed into a significant financial setback.

✅ Common Causes of ECTN Number Errors

Here are some of the most frequent causes of incorrect ECTN numbers:

• Typographical errors during online submission
• Mismatched information between the ECTN and Bill of Lading
• Last-minute changes to shipping documents not reflected in the ECTN
• Using unverified or inexperienced agents
• Submitting expired documents or incorrect HS codes

While these issues may seem minor, they can have a big impact at destination ports—especially those with stringent compliance requirements like ECTN Djibouti.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Correct an Incorrect ECTN Number

If you've realized your ECTN number is incorrect, don’t wait. Follow these steps to correct it efficiently:

1. Identify the Error Early

Double-check your documents and ECTN certificate as soon as it's issued. Compare every detail—shipper name, consignee, port of discharge, cargo description, and Bill of Lading number. Identifying the error early gives you a better chance of correcting it before the vessel arrives.

2. Notify Your ECTN Issuing Agent Immediately

Reach out to the agent or platform that issued your ECTN. Provide: