Countries · DJ
Djibouti: sanctions and trade risk
As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 3 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Djibouti.Lists last checked .
Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓
No elevated country indicator for Djibouti in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Djibouti may still be on a list.
On the sanctions lists
3 entries on the official lists name Djibouti — as nationality, address, registration or flag. That links them to the country; it says nothing about other companies there. The same company can appear on several lists and is then counted once per list. Individuals are not included — Sanctioni does not process them.
| List | Entries | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US OFAC — Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) | 3 | 3 | — | — |
Latest changes
No new listings or removals naming Djibouti recorded yet.
Related
Logistics profile
Djibouti: logistics and trade
Transit, sea and air hub at the Horn of Africa
Djibouti (ISO-Code: DJ) is located at the Horn of Africa at the entrance to the Red Sea and borders Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Politically, the country is a presidential republic with stable institutions and high strategic importance for the region. The climate is arid to semi-arid, characterized by high temperatures, low rainfall, and dry desert areas. Economically, Djibouti is strongly oriented towards services, logistics, and port operations, with its location at Bab al-Mandab playing a central role in international shipping. Foreign trade focuses on imports of food, fuel, and industrial products, while export opportunities are limited. Strategically important ports and an international airport network ensure transit and logistics functions for supplying landlocked countries, especially Ethiopia. The national currency is the Djibouti Franc (DJF), which enables stable trade and financial transactions. Djibouti is considered a regional logistics hub at the Horn of Africa and benefits from international investments in port infrastructure. The combination of geopolitical location, stable currency, and growing logistics services strengthens the country's role in global trade.
- Capital
- Djibouti City
- Population
- 1,150,000
- Area
- 23,200 km²
- Currency
- Djibouti Franc (DJF)
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- East Africa / Horn of Africa
- Economic area
- COMESA
- Religions
- Islam, Christians
- Access to the sea
- Yes
Transport modes Road · Rail
- Current situation
- In mid-2026, diversions via the Cape of Good Hope are slowing transits through Bab al-Mandab; situation moderately tense, port operations continue.
- Seasonal conditions
- Hot arid desert climate; extreme heat of over 45 degrees in summer; occasional heavy rain with flash floods that briefly disrupt road traffic.
Main seaports
- Djibouti
Djibouti (DJ JIB): leading container gateway for the Horn of Africa. Doraleh terminal handled 1.2M+ TEU in 2024, rail corridor to Ethiopia.
- Doraleh
Doraleh (DJ DCT): Ethiopia's container gateway on the Gulf of Aden, 1.24M TEU in 2024, rail corridor to Addis Ababa. Bulk via Multipurpose Port.
Main cargo airports
- Djibouti-Ambouli AirportJIB
Djibouti-Ambouli (JIB): Red Sea sea-air gateway now also served by RwandAir Cargo, free trade zone, Emirates SkyCargo and Qatar freighters, serving Ethiopia.
Road corridors
- Djibouti City – Galafi – Addis Ababa (RN-1)
- Djibouti – Dewele – Ethiopia
Rail corridors
- Addis Ababa – Djibouti railway (standard gauge, 759 km, since 2018)
Main trade lanes
- Djibouti – Ethiopia (transit)
- Asia – Djibouti – East Africa
- Gulf states – Djibouti
Customs and import
Customs authority Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI)Official website ↗
- Import customs system
- ASYCUDA World (French: SYDONIA World), in use at all entry and exit points since 2012; electronic customs declaration via the DGDDI.
- Export customs system
- Electronic export declaration via ASYCUDA World (SYDONIA World) at the DGDDI; uniform one-stop procedure being set up.
- Import VAT
- Standard VAT (TVA) rate of 10 percent on imports; additionally internal consumption tax (TIC). COMESA-origin goods duty-free.
- Proofs of origin and trade agreements
- COMESA certificate of origin for duty-free trade with COMESA members (Djibouti in the COMESA Free Trade Area since 2000); issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
- Restricted and prohibited goods
- Weapons, ammunition, explosives and narcotics require a permit or are prohibited; certain foodstuffs and plants are subject to sanitary import controls.
Typical import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Certificate of origin
- Customs declaration (ASYCUDA World)
Typical export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration
- COMESA certificate of origin
- Transport document
Logistics conditions
- Customs complexity
- Medium to high
- Customs delays
- Medium
- Port congestion
- Medium
- Dangerous goods relevance
- Medium
- Pharma and cold chain relevance
- Medium
- E-commerce relevance
- Medium
Trade
Top import partners
Top export partners
Top import goods
- Food
- Petroleum products
- Vehicles
- Machinery
- Electronic devices
Top export goods
- Salt
- Animal products
- Hides and skins
- Mineral oils
- Agricultural products
Typical cargo
- Container cargo
- Fuel and mineral oils
- Food
- General cargo
- Transit goods for Ethiopia
Latest logistics news
- Saudi Arabia Establishes 14-Nation Alliance for the Red Sea3 Aug 2026
Saudi Arabia leads a 14-nation alliance to protect the Red Sea. In the short term, little is changing for shipping companies: the mission is still in the build-up phase.
- Houthis Declare Naval Blockade Against Saudi Arabia – First Tankers Turn Back21 Jul 2026
Houthis declare Saudi port calls a risk. First oil tankers turn back. Bab al-Mandab remains open, but insurance and rerouting risks increase
Logistics questions
Which customs system does Djibouti use?
The customs authority DGDDI has been working with ASYCUDA World (French: SYDONIA World) at all entry and exit points since 2012; declarations are made electronically.
What is the import VAT rate in Djibouti?
The standard VAT (TVA) rate is 10 percent on imports. An internal consumption tax (TIC) is also levied.
Why is Djibouti so important for Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is landlocked and handles most of its foreign trade via the ports of Djibouti, connected by road and by the standard-gauge railway to Addis Ababa.
Which ports does Djibouti have?
The most important are the Port de Djibouti, the Doraleh Container Terminal, the Doraleh Multipurpose Port, and the Horizon oil terminal.
Does Djibouti benefit from free trade?
Yes. Djibouti has been part of the COMESA Free Trade Area since 2000, and COMESA-origin goods are traded duty-free. There is also the DIFTZ free trade zone.
How does the Red Sea crisis affect Djibouti?
Diversions of many shipping lines via the Cape of Good Hope are slowing transits through Bab al-Mandab. In mid-2026 the situation is moderately tense, but port operations continue.
Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗
Powered by Freight Academy, verified 22 Jun 2026. Logistics information, not a sanctions source.