French ELO System Delayed: What You Need to Know
France’s new Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) was due to become mandatory on 1 September 2025 – but French Customs has now postponed this requirement until later in autumn 2025. This delay gives freight operators more time to prepare, but don’t leave it to the last minute.
What is the ELO?
The ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire) is a digital system introduced by French Customs to simplify and speed up border checks for freight traffic between the UK and France. It consolidates all key customs and transport documents, like MRNs, ENS references, and vehicle details, into one barcode that is scanned at the French border.
The aim is to streamline crossings at “smart border” Ro-Ro ports like Calais, Dunkirk, Le Havre, and others.
Important: The ELO only applies to Ro-Ro freight between the UK and France.
It does not apply to:
- Goods entering France from other EU countries (e.g. Belgium, Germany),
- Non-EU imports arriving by sea or air from other countries (e.g. China, USA),
- Intra-EU road transit.
Timeline: What’s Changed?
| Date | Update |
| 28 April 2025 | ELO system launched (voluntary use begins) |
| April–August 2025 | Transition period – voluntary but recommended |
| 1 September 2025 | Original mandatory date – now postponed |
| Autumn 2025 | New mandatory date – to be confirmed in September |
What Does It Mean for UK–France Freight?
- ELO is not mandatory yet, but it will be by the end of 2025.
- It applies only to Ro-Ro freight between the UK and France, including both accompanied and unaccompanied trailers.
- ENS (Entry Summary Declarations) must now be submitted via ICS2; the older ICS1 system is no longer accepted for ELO creation.
- An appointed party (your freight forwarder, broker, or haulier) must create the ELO barcode before border crossing.
- The barcode is scanned at the port, allowing French customs to validate all linked documentation in one go.
ELO vs ICS2: What’s the Difference?
| System | What It Is | Scope |
| ELO | Digital envelope for customs checks | France-only, for UK–France Ro-Ro traffic |
| ICS2 | EU-wide platform for Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) | All EU import routes |
To use ELO, your ENS must be submitted via ICS2. They’re connected, but ELO is a French-specific requirement.
Beckchoice Can Help
We’re already supporting customers moving freight between the UK and France and can guide you through both the ELO and ICS2 transition. Get in touch.
Please note: Information accurate as of 7 August 2025. French Customs is expected to confirm the new mandatory ELO launch date in September.