From Monday 20 April 2026, all vehicles travelling between the UK and France via ferry or tunnel must have a valid ELO (Obligatory Logistics Envelope) declaration, whether loaded or empty.
- Vehicles without a valid ELO will be refused access
- Documentation must be completed before arrival at port
- Failure to comply may cause delays to your operations
ELO is a new mandatory French customs requirement for goods moving from the UK to France.
It applies to all cross-Channel traffic (ferry and Eurotunnel), including empty and loaded vehicles, from Monday 20 April 2026.
Think of ELO as:
- France’s equivalent to the UK Goods Movement Reference (GMR)
- A single barcode that groups all your customs declarations and safety/security data
- This allows French authorities to check shipments in advance, helping vehicles move faster through the Smart Border.
ELO vs GMR:
- ELO does not replace the UK GMR
- You still need a GMR via HMRC, or we can assist here
- Both are required for UK → France movements
Who needs to create an ELO?
- UK or EU hauliers with a valid EU EORI
- Freight forwarders / customs agents
- Ferry or Eurotunnel users
A valid EU EORI number is needed to access French systems run by Douane Française. Please refer to the official website for the full guidance: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/obligatory-logistics-envelope-elo-key-transition-roro-trade-united…
How to apply (from the UK)
You or your logistics partner with a valid EU EORI will:
1. Create an account
(if access is available to you—often done by a forwarder)
2. Upload required documents
- Customs declarations
- Safety/security information
- Transport details
3. Link everything to the shipment
- The system generates a single ELO barcode
To apply for an EU EORI via French Customs: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/economic-operator-registration-and-identification-eori-number
