📦 ELO – Mandatory Logistics Envelope at the France–UK Border from September 1, 2025
🔹 What is ELO?
ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire / Mandatory Logistics Envelope) is an electronic logistics envelope that will be mandatory from September 1, 2025 each time a truck crosses the French-British border – for both loaded and empty vehicles.
ELO is part of the Smart Border system, which aims to simplify and automate customs procedures related to Brexit.
đź“… Implementation timeline
- Spring 2025 – ELO system launch (testing phase available)
- April 1, 2025 – official beginning of the transition period. However, the French authorities announced a slight postponement. More info at this link
- September 1, 2025 – E.L.O. becomes mandatory
🧾 How does ELO work?
- It applies to roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) transport, both loaded and empty, through French ports with UK connections, such as Calais, Dunkirk, Le Havre, and others.
- Before crossing the border, a designated person (e.g. freight forwarder, customs agency) creates the ELO envelope by consolidating all necessary data and declaration formalities – data is entered into the French customs system via douane.gov.fr
- The driver must have a unique ELO barcode, which is presented during border clearance.
- The ELO code replaces traditional terminal questions (known as “pairing questions”).
- The system allows for shipment tracking and access to transit history.
- ELO does not replace the UK GMR – both numbers must be generated separately.
🛠️ What does the envelope include?
- ENS (Entry Summary Declaration)
- Export, import, and transit documents
- Goods and vehicle data
- Link to the truck’s registration
- Verification of document completeness for clearance
⚠️ Requirements and conditions
- ELO applies only to RO/RO transport through French ports to the UK (e.g. Calais, Dunkirk).
- It applies to both loaded and empty trucks.
- It is possible to use ELO via DTI and EDI systems – an EDI certification guide will be provided.
- To use the Mandatory Logistics Envelope for goods subject to ENS, the operator must migrate to the ICS2 system.
âś… Benefits of ELO
- Faster clearance – no need to answer questions at the terminal
- Reduced errors – data is verified automatically
- Better shipment tracking – online access to transit history
đź“‹ How to prepare?
- Identify the responsible person for preparing ELO (e.g. freight forwarder, customs agency). Contact us. We have over 20 years of experience in customs and logistics services.
- Collect data: MRN, goods data, vehicle data, ENS.
- Create the ELO in the French customs administration system.
- Provide the barcode to the driver, who must present it when entering the UK.
- Consult logistics partners and plan migration to ICS2 (if applicable).
🤝 Support from Terminus Customs Agency
The Terminus Customs Agency from Białystok helps companies prepare for ELO implementation:
đź“ž +48 607 279 922
📧 kontakt@acterminus.pl
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about ELO
1. Does ELO replace the UK GMR?
No, ELO concerns French-side formalities and does not replace the UK GMR (Goods Movement Reference). Both numbers must be generated separately.
2. Who is responsible for creating ELO?
The person responsible for creating ELO is designated within the logistics chain, e.g. a freight forwarder, customs agency, or carrier.
3. Does ELO apply only to loaded vehicles?
No, ELO applies to both loaded and empty vehicles crossing the French-British border.
4. Will ELO be mandatory immediately?
No, the ELO system will launch in spring 2025 and will become mandatory from September 1, 2025.
5. Where can I find more information about ELO?
More information can be found on the official French customs website: douane.gouv.fr
