The New French ELO system – Smart Border

Starting from April 1, 2025, the new ELO system will be introduced as part of a smart border initiative in France. This system will aim to streamline customs procedures by grouping all necessary documentation into a single “logistic envelope.”

Following a transitional period, ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire) will become mandatory from September 1, 2025, requiring truck drivers to present a barcode linked to the system when crossing the border.

It will introduce a mandatory system for grouping customs documentation into a single “logistic envelope.” This new process will require all customs documents—such as ENS (Entry Summary Declarations), invoices, and consignment notes—to be integrated into one cohesive package, including the barcode linked to ELO system.

Lorry carriers will need to submit data in advance and link all required information (e.g., customs declarations, transport documents) at a single point. The french system will then automatically generate the relevant references (e.g., GMR – Goods Movement Reference).

ELO is complementary to the SI Brexit and it will not replace the SI Brexit but will make it possible to :

Ensure that all declarations are correctly submitted and have the correct status at the border;
Simplify the pairing process and reduce manual errors;
Harmonise pairing methods between the UK and France;
Make it easier to cross the border.

This ensures that all customs and logistical data are in place before the goods arrive at the border, improving border-crossing efficiency and reducing delays.

Purpose of the ELO system

Currently, when drivers’ cross borders using the “smart border” system, they interact with the border officers, answering questions and presenting necessary documents. However, with the introduction of ELO, this step will be simplified and automated, as all required documentation (such as customs declarations, transport documents, etc.) will be pre-aggregated into a single “logistic envelope” through ELO system.

Customs formalities will still be submitted in the same way as today, but answers to the pairing questions and the declarations references will need to be sent to the ELO creator for grouping together before crossing the Brexit border.

However, with the introduction of ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire), this step will be simplified and automated. Instead of drivers manually answering questions or presenting documents at the border crossing, all required documentation (such as customs declarations, transport documents, etc.) will be pre-aggregated into a single “logistic envelope” through ELO.

At this stage, at the border crossing, drivers are often asked to manually answer several questions and provide documentation to ensure compliance with customs and border regulations.

Some of these questions and documents may include:

Cargo and vehicle Information: What goods are being transported? What is the destination or final delivery point of the goods?
Customs declarations: Have you submitted the required customs declarations (such as ENS or Entry Summary Declaration)? Are there any customs duties or taxes to be paid?
Transport documentation: Can you provide the consignment note (CMR) or transport bill?
Driver and vehicle information: What is the registration number of the vehicle? What is the driver’s name and license number? Do you have the necessary permits or authorizations to transport the goods?
Security or Inspection-related Questions: Are there any additional security checks required ?

These manual checks can be time-consuming, especially in cases where the information is not readily available or when documentation is incomplete. With the introduction of systems like ELO, much of this data will be pre-submitted and accessible digitally, streamlining the process and reducing the need for such manual interventions at the border.

So how will this ELO system work?

Submission of ENS (Entry Summary Declarations).
Integration with ICS2, the EU’s new customs system.
Creation of the logistic envelope, linking all required documentation in one package.
Automated processing at border crossings, reducing delays and improving efficiency.

How will this simplify the process?

Pre-arrival processing:
- Carriers must submit data in advance and link it to a single reference point.
- This eliminates manual checks, speeding up border clearance.
Enhanced automation:
- Required documents are aggregated before arrival, reducing interactions with border officials.
- Ensures that customs and transport data are pre-validated before crossing.