From 1st September 2025, a major change is coming to the way goods are transported between France and the UK. The French customs authorities are rolling out the Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO) — or Mandatory Logistics Envelope — a single digital reference designed to simplify and secure border crossings.
Although the ELO becomes available shortly, it will only be optional during a short transition period. Come September, it will be mandatory for all vehicles crossing the border, from loaded HGVs to empty vans.
What is the ELO?
The ELO is essentially a digital envelope that holds all the required customs and transport documents for a vehicle crossing the border. Instead of carrying separate paperwork for customs, health checks, and declarations, all the information is grouped under a single reference number, one that’s represented by a barcode.
When the driver arrives at boarding, they’ll present just that one barcode. No digging through folders or fumbling with multiple documents. The ELO isn’t just a digital convenience. It’s part of a wider push toward a smarter, more secure border system between France and the UK. By submitting and linking key data ahead of time, border agencies can conduct checks more efficiently and reduce delays.
ELO: Key features and how it works
So, how does the ELO system function in practice?
First, each vehicle (even if it’s empty) must have its own unique ELO. It doesn’t matter if you’re transporting food, machinery, or just something else completely. If you’re crossing into or out of France, the ELO is required.
Next, a designated person (this might be your customs agent, haulier, or logistics coordinator) is responsible for creating the ELO. They’ll log into the French customs portal (Accueil | Portail de la DGDDI) and compile all the necessary data like customs declarations, safety certificates, and sanitary documents into one single submission. That’s what generates the barcode.
Once everything is submitted and paired correctly, the driver simply shows the barcode at boarding. It’s scanned and linked to all relevant documents for that vehicle.
What are the benefits of ELO?
The main goal of the ELO is to make border crossings smoother, faster, and safer. For one, it drastically reduces the amount of manual paperwork. Drivers won’t need to hand over multiple documents at customs, just the barcode. This helps cut down wait times, especially during busy freight periods.
It also introduces a layer of online tracking. Important steps like vehicle pairing, boarding, and disembarkation can all be monitored digitally. That means better visibility for operators and fewer surprises along the journey. Plus, by automating and pre-checking document submissions, the ELO helps minimise human errors that can cause delays at the border.
ELO doesn’t replace the GMR
It’s important to keep in mind that the ELO doesn’t replace the UK’s Goods Movement Reference (GMR). You still need a valid GMR for any UK customs checks, especially when moving goods into or out of Great Britain. The ELO works in addition to the GMR, not instead of it.
What happens if you don’t have an ELO?
If a vehicle turns up at the border without an ELO after 1st September 2025, it won’t be waved through as normal. Instead, it’ll be directed to the orange lane, where customs officers will conduct a manual clearance. That means delays and potentially fines or additional checks if paperwork is missing or incorrect.
So, it’s in your best interest to get familiar with the ELO process well before it becomes mandatory.
What you should do now
Preparation is key. Even though the ELO won’t be required until September, the French authorities are giving businesses a window to get used to the system and integrate it into their logistics routines.
Here’s how to get ready:
Stay informed
Keep up to date with updates from your logistics partners and customs authorities. We at C4 Logistics are closely monitoring these changes and providing guidance to our clients.
Appoint your ELO creator
Choose someone within your team or a third-party provider who will be responsible for compiling and submitting ELOs through the customs portal.
Gather your documents
Make sure you understand what declarations and certifications are needed for each shipment so there are no last-minute surprises.
Adapt your procedures
Update your current logistics and customs workflows to incorporate ELO steps. That might mean adjusting your timing, training drivers, or tweaking your digital tools.
Final thoughts
The introduction of the ELO is a big shift in how goods move between the UK and France. While change can be tricky, this one has clear benefits like simpler processes, smoother crossings, and better visibility for everyone involved.
We’d recommend using the transitional period wisely. Test the system, ask questions, and don’t wait until the last minute. With a bit of planning, you’ll be more than ready for 1st September 2025, and your goods will keep moving, stress-free!
Got questions about ELO? Contact our friendly team, we’d be more than happy to answer your questions and offer tailored suggestions.