ELO Becomes Mandatory for UK-France RoRo on April 20, 2026

If your business involves moving goods between the United Kingdom and France, there is a crucial regulatory update you need to prepare for. French Customs has announced that the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) will become officially mandatory starting April 20, 2026.

Here is everything you need to know about this key transition for RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) trade and how to keep your freight moving smoothly across the Smart Border.

What is ELO?

First deployed in the spring of 2025, the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) is a digital system designed to streamline customs processing at the UK-EU Smart Border. It simplifies the border crossing by consolidating all necessary information and declarative formalities into a single barcode.

Who Does This Affect?

Starting April 20, 2026, all trucks—whether they are loaded with goods or traveling empty—must present a single ELO barcode for scanning at the Smart Border. This requirement applies to both imports into and exports out of France. Failure to generate and present an ELO barcode could result in border delays and compliance issues.

How to Access and Create Your ELO

Getting set up with ELO is a straightforward process, but it does require some proactive steps from transport operators:

1. Create an Account: You will need a personal account on the French Customs portal (douane.gouv.fr).

2. Access the Application: Once logged in, simply type "ELO" into the portal's search bar to locate the application. No separate, prior registration is required to access the tool once you have a basic customs portal account.

3. Consolidate Your Documents: Use the application to link all your necessary border documentation into your single logistics envelope barcode before your drivers reach the border.

Prepare Now

While April 2026 might seem like a way off, it is highly recommended that logistics companies and transport operators familiarize their teams and drivers with the ELO system now. Transitioning early will ensure that you work out any operational hiccups well ahead of the mandatory enforcement date.

For more detailed information, user guides, and training videos, you can visit the official French Customs portal.