The Djibouti Port Authority requires all dangerous cargo to be declared 48 hours before vessel arrival. 

• POLs should provide the following mandatory documents: 
• IMO Dangerous cargo declaration 
• Dangerous Cargo Manifest 
• Packing list
• MSDS 

As per new regulations that took effect in January 2021, the following IMCO classes are allowed to discharge under special authorisation on a case-by-case basis subject to direct delivery by the consignee.  

Note: If the consignees are not ready to take direct delivery, containers will be re-loaded on the same vessel and the additional cost of shifting and returning freight will be on the shipper/ consignee's account. POLs should not accept any IMCO cargo that requires direct delivery without confirmation from MSC Djibouti. Name, address and contact details of the consignee/ Notify parties, transit country should be provided with MSDS for MSC Djibouti to confirm acceptance. 

• IMCO Class 1 - Explosives all UN numbers 
• IMCO class 2.1 - Flammable Gases UN 1057, gas lighters 
• IMCO Class 3 - Flammable Liquids with a flashpoint below 23ºC 
• IMCO Class 4.1 - Flammable Solids (self-heating and reactive substances) UN 1944 safety matches 
• IMCO Class 4.2 - Substances liable to spontaneous combustion 
• IMCO Class 4.3 - Water-reactive substances (liquids and solid) 
• IMCO Class 5.1 - Oxidising agents: UN 1448 barium permanganate, UN 1485 Potassium chlorate, UN 1495 Sodium chlorate, UN1513 Zinc chlorate, UN 1942 Ammonium Nitrate, UN2067, UN 2071 Ammonium Nitrate Fertilisers, UN 2880 Calcium Hypochlorite 
• IMCO Class 5.2 - Organic peroxides 
• IMCO Class 6.1 - UN 2994 Arsenical pesticides, liquid, toxic and toxic by inhalation substances 
• IMCO Class 6.2 - Infectious substances are generally not allowed, special permission must be obtained from the Harbour Master and the Department of DGPS. 
• IMCO Class 7 - Radioactive material (transport license required) Only allowed at terminals authorised by Harbour Master.
• IMCO Class 8 - Corrosives UN 2031, 2032 Nitric acid 

All dangerous cargo not specified above as direct delivery is allowed to stay at the terminal for 10 days. If not cleared within 10 days, containers will be re-loaded on the next vessel. A one-time fine of USD 500 plus storage at USD 100 per day will be charged from day one until loaded to the importing shipping line.  

Dangerous cargo authorised under a strictly limited period where some delay could be accepted against storage charges as per tariff for less than 30 days, after which storage charges for containers over 30 days USD 50 per TEU per day. 

The following hazardous cargo is prohibited for discharging in Djibouti and transit to Yemen and Somalia.  

Note: As per the circular from the SGTD Terminal, such cargo in transit to Yemen and Somalia must also not be handled.) There is no restriction for cargo discharge in Djibouti as the final destination and cargo in transit to Ethiopia. Before accepting bookings, therefore, POL should verify with the shipper and MSC Djibouti office and ensure the actual correct destination of cargo to accept or reject bookings accordingly. If any POL accepts the below-mentioned dangerous cargo without verification by MSC Djibouti and the terminal refuses to handle the shipment, it will be loaded back to the respective POL and all related costs will be charged to the agency of the relevant POL. 

• IMCO Class 4.3 UN 1402 
• IMCO Class 5.1 UN 1477, 1942, 2067, 2071, 2880,
• IMCO Class 8 all UN Numbers 

Un-declared IMDG containers without dangerous goods labels: If it is the first time, a USD 566 per container fine will be imposed by the terminal to the shipping line. If repeated in the same year the charge will be USD 1,414 per container. 

Storage charges 

For containers less than 30 days: as per published 'DCT tariff' 

For containers over 30 days: USD 50/day. 

If any container is found to be leaking, the shipping agent will be notified by the terminal and must take immediate corrective action within 48 hours, i.e. cross stuffing, consignee clearing the cargo, loading back on the vessel, within the set deadline. 

All expenses related to ensuring the safety of persons, the terminal and the environment incurred by the terminal, the port authority or by third parties because of damage caused by spillage, leaking or fire of dangerous goods will be charged to the concerned shipping line.  

Monday to Friday from 8:30AM-5:00PM
Closed for lunch break 12.30-1:00PM
Closed at weekends

IMO class 7 is prohibited but accepted on a case-by-case basis subject to prior approval (this must be obtained by the consignee and the consignee must take direct delivery).

Without prior approval from MSC ETHIOPIA, Port of loading should not accept cargo such as personal effects, household goods, used tires, donated cargo, used medical equipment, used machinery etc.