ELO

ELO "Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire" (mandatory logistics envelope), is a system set up by French customs (DGDDI) as part of the Smart Border Protocol (SI Brexit). It aims to ease border crossings for goods moving between UK and EU, in particular in high-traffic roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ports as well as at the Channel Tunnel.

In concrete terms, the ELO makes it possible to bring together in a single digital format all customs declarations and documents related to the same transport (export, transit, security, etc.). This envelope takes the form of a barcode to be scanned, associated with the vehicle's license plate, which allows automatic and fast reading at the border.

This system has been designed to limit physical checks, smooth traffic and guarantee efficient tracking of customs formalities.

The ELO therefore plays a central role in the post-Brexit logistics organisation and in the automation of controls at port passages.

ELO is from now on mandatory for roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) flows, regardless of whether empty or full. After a gradual transition phase, its generalisation has been fully applicable to all concerned operators since 1st April 2025. This commissioning marks a decisive step in the modernisation of customs controls related to cross-Channel trade.

This mainly applies to carriers, customs brokers, registered customs representatives, as well as exporters and importers involved in cross-Channel trade. The aim is to ensure that all necessary customs formalities are pre-registered and consolidated in a single digital envelope before arrival at the port/tunnel.

This measure is part of the customs authorities' desire to make border crossings more fluid while strengthening controls, particularly in areas with a high volume of traffic. It is an essential step in the smart border process, implemented to adapt logistics management to the new post-Brexit requirements.

The concerned professionals must therefore adapt their procedures to integrate this key step into their logistics organization.

👉 Important : The ELO does not replace the British procedure. The GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is still required to cross the UK border.

While the ELO is essential to cross the border from EU to UK, it does not replace the formalities required by the British authorities. Indeed, on the UK side, the system is based on the GMR (Goods Movement Reference), a unique identifier generated on the British GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) platform. 

Thus, the ELO and the GMR are two complementary approaches, each managed by the customs authorities of their respective territory.

For a smooth border crossing, it is essential that both systems are correctly informed and transmitted before departure. Any errors or omissions can lead to blockage, denied boarding or significant delays in the supply chain.