If your business is involved in the movement of goods from Europe into the UK via French ports (and vice-versa), you may have come across the term Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire, or ELO. It’s not just another acronym to add to your customs vocabulary, it’s a critical requirement that ensures customs and logistics data are accurately tied together at key French ports. So, what exactly is ELO, and what do you need to know about it? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO)?
The ELO is a mandatory logistics envelope and a type of port pass that must be created at certain French ports to link together all the declarations and logistics operations related to a specific shipment. It acts as a digital “wrapper” that connects the various customs declarations (such as Entry Summary Declarations, temporary storage declarations, and transit documents) with transport and handling information at the port.
It’s essentially a coordination mechanism that ensures customs authorities and port operators have visibility and control over goods entering the EU through France.
For all stakeholders (Drivers, Economic Operators, and ELO Managers) currently transporting goods to the UK, understanding the GMR (Goods Movement Reference), issued through the GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service), is essential. Similarly, ELO serves as the French equivalent of the GMR and is crucial for goods entering France via RoRo ports or the Channel Tunnel.
When crossing the border, drivers must present the GMR for the UK and the ELO for France. It is important to note that the GMR and ELO systems are not connected, necessitating separate preparation and management for both. This ensures that the necessary documentation is in place for a smooth transition across borders.
By implementing ELO as the counterpart to the UK’s GMR system, France aligns its logistics processes, enabling a harmonised yet distinct approach to border management.
What are the benefits of ELO?
The ELO will bring several benefits for hauliers importing into France from the UK.
1. The driver will spend less time at the port
All of the documents and data required for the border crossing (ENS, import, export and transit declarations) will be merged into a single barcode and single reference, which the lorry driver must provide at the port. This will allow the vehicle and declarations to be "linked" together.
2. The ELO creator will have enhanced visibility
Once registering themselves the ELO creator will be able to see the progress of the goods across the Smart Border (pairing/embarkation/disembarking).
The ELO creator will also be able to navigate previously created ELOs.
When and where is ELO required?
ELO is mandatory for goods entering and exiting France via RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ports and the Channel Tunnel, including:
- Calais
- Dunkerque
- Le Havre
- Channel Tunnel terminals (Eurotunnel)
These ports are key entry points for goods from the UK into the EU, and as such, they require a harmonised and traceable process to link all customs movements to the physical logistics flow.
Key Points About ELO:
- One ELO = One Truck: Each ELO corresponds to a single truck, ensuring an efficient tracking system. You can't have several ELOs per truck.
- Includes all declaratory data and pertinent information on the loaded goods.
- Applicable for empty trucks and non-accompanied goods.
- Covers export declarations, import declarations, transit declarations, and Entry Summary Declarations (ENS).
- Sub-ELOs cannot be created.
Key Deadlines for ELO:
ELO was initially planned for deployment on April 1st, 2025, and would become mandatory by September 1st, 2025. After September, the current envelope logistic process will no longer exist.
However, as of March 21, 2025, the deployment of ELO has been postponed to mid-April 2025, with the exact date to be confirmed by customs on April 10th, 2025.
Why was ELO introduced?
The introduction of ELO is part of France’s smart border initiative, aimed at:
- Enhancing border control efficiency
- Reducing bottlenecks at high-traffic entry points
- Ensuring all customs and logistics formalities are completed before goods arrive
With ELO, customs can more easily verify that all required declarations are in place and correctly matched to the physical transport of goods, reducing the risk of delays, inspections, or penalties.
Who needs to create the ELO?
The ELO must be created by the logistics party responsible for the shipment’s arrival or departure in France, which could be:
- A freight forwarder
- A customs representative
- A haulier
- Or the importer/exporter themselves (if managing their own logistics)
Be aware that French customs do not assign legal responsibility for completing the formalities to any specific party. This differs from the requirements of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) and the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), where the carrier holds the legal responsibility.
The party who creates the ELO must ensure the envelope is created before the goods arrive or pass the French border. They must also link all relevant customs declarations to that envelope.
How can businesses stay compliant?
To stay on top of ELO requirements, you should:
- Not assume that it will be taken care of automatically by your logistics party
- Begin discussing with your carrier now to clarify who is responsible for what, and work closely with your customs brokers, logistics or software provider
- Automate ELO creation and linkage where possible
- Ensure all declarations are prepared in advance
- Stay informed on changes to port procedures and customs regulations
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Failing to create or correctly populate the ELO can result in:
- Delays at the border
- Fines or penalties
- Increased inspections
- Possible reputational damage with logistics partners or clients
What does this mean for CAS users?
CAS will integrate with the ELO system to enable fully automated, real-time filing of customs declarations for imports and exports in Europe and the UK while simultaneously presenting them to the ELO system.
ELO resources from French customs
Click the image to download the PDF
Click the image to download the PDF
Click the image to download the PDF
Click the image to download the slides
Final Thoughts
The Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO) may sound like another layer of bureaucracy, but it actually serves a valuable purpose in keeping EU borders running smoothly. Understanding how it works, and ensuring you or your partners are handling it correctly, can help avoid costly delays and keep your supply chain moving.
Need help to navigate ELO or automate your customs flows? Contact GTM@customs4trade.com or make an appointment to discuss with a member of the team to find out how we can help.
Customs4trade simplifies global customs and trade compliance. Whether you are looking to expand across borders or optimise your customs processes, C4T is your trusted partner for seamless, efficient, and future-proof customs management.
