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What is ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire)?
The ELO (Enveloppe Logisique Obligatoire or Obligatory Logistics Envelope) is a mandatory digital port pass that will apply to all crossings between the UK and France, in both directions.
It is required for:
- Loaded vehicles
- Empty vehicles
- Accompanied freight
- Unaccompanied freight
ELO will be required whether goods are moving from Great Britain to France or from France to Great Britain.
As a port pass, ELO will operate in a similar way to the UK Goods Movement Reference (GMR) system. It brings together all customs and safety data for a crossing into a single digital reference that can be checked automatically at the border.
ELO is part of the French SI Brexit system and is designed to align French and UK border processes following Brexit.
Why is ELO Being Introduced?
ELO has been introduced by French authorities to improve border efficiency, accuracy and compliance for Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) freight between the UK and France.
Currently, drivers arriving at French ports are required to answer questions from ferry operators at check in. Once ELO is live, this manual questioning will no longer be required.
French customs will use ELO to:
- Verify that each declaration has been submitted correctly
- Confirm that all declarations have the correct status at the border
- Make the pairing process easier and reduce manual errors
- Align French and UK pairing methods
- Simplify border crossings and reduce congestion
By digitising and centralising data, ELO aims to make border movements faster and more predictable for compliant freight.
Who Is Responsible for Creating The ELO?
As with all port passes, the ELO is the responsibility of the haulier.
If you're transporting goods:
- From Great Britain to France, or from France to Great Britain
- Via RoRo ferry as accompanied freight
- Via RoRo ferry as unaccompanied freight
- Including movements of empty vehicles
Then an ELO will be required.
Responsibility By Movement Type
- Accompanied vehicles by ferry or train: The haulier booked to move the goods is responsible for creating the ELO.
- Unaccompanied vehicles: The ferry or train operator is responsible for creating the ELO.
It is critical that responsibility is clearly agreed before movement. If the ELO is missing or incorrect, the vehicle will not be allowed to proceed.
Is ELO Mandatory?
Yes. ELO is a mandatory French customs requirement.
Registration for the ELO portal is free, but compliance is not optional. All relevant Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) must be included in the ELO before crossing.
Drivers who arrive at port without a valid ELO will be held before departure and will not be permitted to board the ferry or shuttle.
What Information is Included in an ELO?
The ELO brings together all required border data for a shipment into one single barcode.
This includes:
- ENS safety and security data
- Import declarations
- Export declarations
- Transit declarations
This barcode links the vehicle to its customs declarations and allows French authorities to assess the shipment automatically.
What Are the Benefits Of ELO?
Although ELO introduces an additional compliance step, it delivers several operational benefits for hauliers and logistics providers.
Reduced Time at the Port
All required documents and data are merged into one barcode. The driver simply presents this at check in.
There is no need for drivers to answer multiple questions from ferry operators, which reduces delays and speeds up processing at the port.
Improved Visibility for the ELO Creator
The party that creates the ELO gains improved visibility across the Smart Border process.
The ELO creator can:
- Track the progress of goods across the border
- See pairing, embarkation and disembarkation status
- Access and navigate previously created ELOs
This makes it easier to manage multiple shipments and respond quickly if issues arise.
The ELO creator will not be able to see whether the vehicle has been directed to the green or orange lane. This information must be confirmed directly with the driver.
How Does ELO Work at the Border?
ELO operates as part of the French SI Brexit Smart Border system.
Step 1: Check In
At the check in stage, the driver presents:
- Their GMR
- Their ELO barcode containing all completed customs data, including ENS
This links the vehicle to its declarations before boarding.
Step 2: During The Crossing
During the ferry or shuttle crossing, French authorities carry out a risk analysis using the data contained in the ELO.
The status of the vehicle is displayed on onboard screens, allowing drivers to prepare for what happens on arrival.
Step 3: Arrival And Lane Allocation
Once the driver exits the ferry or shuttle, the vehicle is directed to either the green lane or the orange lane based on the outcome of the risk analysis.
Understanding The Green and Orange Lanes
Green Lane
The green lane is for goods that do not require further checks.
Vehicles directed to the green lane can exit the port immediately and continue their journey without stopping.
Orange Lane
The orange lane is for:
- Goods that require inspection
- Cases where additional time is needed to complete the risk analysis
If directed to the orange lane, the driver must report to the customs office at the point of first entry. This may involve document checks or physical inspections.
How ELO Fits into the Wider Border Process
ELO is connected to the wider EU safety and customs framework and relies on accurate, complete data being submitted in advance.
Each ELO must include at least one ENS and all relevant customs references. Errors or missing information will result in delays and increased scrutiny.
For UK businesses trading with France, ELO is now a core part of cross border compliance and operational planning.
What UK Importers, Exporters and Hauliers Should Do Now
With ELO becoming mandatory from 1 January 2026, businesses should act early to avoid disruption.
Key steps include:
- Understanding when your business is responsible for creating the ELO
- Registering for access to the ELO portal
- Ensuring customs data is accurate and complete before movement
- Training drivers and operations teams on the new process
- Working with a knowledgeable international freight partner
Early preparation will reduce the risk of missed sailings, held vehicles and supply chain delays.
How Speedy Freight Can Help with ELO Compliance
Speedy Freight supports UK importers, exporters and hauliers with compliant international freight movements between the UK and France.
Our international team understands the ELO process, French customs requirements and Smart Border procedures. We can help you plan shipments, avoid delays and ensure your freight moves smoothly from January 2026 onwards.
Contact Speedy Freight’s international team today to discuss ELO requirements and make sure your cross-border freight is fully prepared.
