France’s ELO (Obligatory Logistics Envelope): The New Mandatory Port Pass for GB-FR Freight

ENS Adviser
1 day ago
3 min read

Cross-channel trade is facing its biggest operational shift since Brexit. Starting in the beginning of 2026 (no exact date yet), France will strictly enforce the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) for all goods entering from Great Britain.

While the system has been available for optional use since April 2025, the transition to a mandatory requirement marks a critical turning point. If you are a haulier, freight forwarder, or customs agent, the "wait and see" period is over.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the ELO, how it compares to GVMS, and the steps you must take now to ensure your vehicles aren't stuck at the border in 2026.

What is the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO)?

Think of the ELO as a digital port pass for France. It is designed to bundle every piece of data French customs requires into a single, scannable barcode.

Currently, drivers often present a patchwork of paper documents, MRNs, and safety references. The ELO consolidates all of this into one digital "envelope." It acts as the French equivalent to the UK’s Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).

The ELO serves two main functions:

Validation: It ensures all customs processes (including Safety & Security declarations) are complete before the vehicle arrives at the port.
Trigger: It automatically updates the status of customs procedures upon arrival, replacing manual questions at the check-in booth.

Key Dates: When Does ELO Become Mandatory?

Available Now (Since April 2025): The system is currently live. Early adopters are already using it to streamline crossings.
Mandatory (31 December 2025): From this date onward, the ELO is no longer optional. Vehicles without a valid ELO barcode may face rejection or significant delays at French RoRo ports (Calais, Dunkirk, Le Havre, and the Channel Tunnel).

💡 Pro Tip: Do not wait until December. The existing "logistics envelope" process is being phased out. Moving to the ELO system now allows you to troubleshoot issues before penalties apply.

How the ELO Process Works

The ELO is part of France's "Smart Border" system. It integrates directly with ICS2 (Import Control System 2), meaning strict data alignment is required. Here is the workflow:

1. Creation (Pre-Journey)

An authorized party (haulier, forwarder, or customs broker) logs into the French customs portal. They must link the following data to a specific vehicle:

Vehicle and Driver details.
Customs declaration references (Import/Transit).
ENS (Entry Summary Declaration): The ELO requires at least one ICS2-compliant ENS filing. We recommend using ENS Ready to create the ICS2 declaration.

2. The Check-In

When the driver arrives at the ferry terminal or shuttle, they present two barcodes:

The GMR (for UK customs).
The ELO (for French customs).

Because the data is pre-validated, the driver no longer needs to answer complex questions from ferry operators regarding the cargo status.

3. The Crossing & Risk Analysis

While the vessel is crossing the channel, French authorities perform a risk analysis based on the ELO data.

4. Arrival (Green vs. Orange Lane)

Upon disembarking in France, the driver looks for their status on the digital screens:

🟢 Green Lane: No risks identified. The vehicle is cleared to exit the port and continue its journey.
🟠 Orange Lane: Documents need checking or a physical inspection is required. The driver must report to the customs office at the point of entry.

Why is France Introducing ELO?

While it requires new administrative workflows, the ELO is designed to solve the congestion caused by post-Brexit border checks.

Speed: By removing manual document checks at the entry booth, queue times are drastically reduced.
Accuracy: The system "pairs" documents digitally. This prevents the common error of drivers presenting the wrong paperwork for the wrong load.
Visibility: The ELO creator gets enhanced visibility into the shipment's progress (pairing, embarkation, and disembarkation), though they must still communicate with the driver to know if they hit the Orange or Green lane.

How to Prepare Your Business for 2026

The smartest operators are treating the ELO as a standard operating procedure now, not next year.

Appoint an ELO Creator: Decide who is responsible. Is it your internal logistics team or your customs broker?
Ensure ICS2 Compliance: Since the ELO relies on Safety & Security data, you must be fully compliant with ICS2 filing requirements.
Train Your Drivers: Drivers need to understand that the ELO barcode is as vital as their passport. They must know how to present it alongside their GMR.
Digitize Your Workflow: If you are still relying on physical paperwork to track shipments, the ELO will be difficult to manage. Move to digital record-keeping to ensure reference numbers are easily accessible for the envelope creation.