UK FR: The ELO requirement introduced by French customs from 20 April 2026.

UK Customs has announced that, from 20 April 2026, it will be mandatory for all operators transporting goods between the UK and France via Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) services, shuttle services or unaccompanied trailers to submit an ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire) in order to cross the Smart Border between the two countries.
ELO is an online service available on the French customs authority’s website can be used with the Smart Border system and is designed to simplify Ro-Ro traffic and make it safer and more efficient.
The ELO allows all information relating to the cargo and the required customs and security formalities to be listed in a single document (a PDF with a barcode), which in turn affects the ICS2 system. As such, as of the date mentioned above, any transport unit that is required to cross the Smart Border must be accompanied by the ELO and must be presented at the time of check-in. If an ELO is not provided, boarding may be refused; alternatively, if the vehicle is boarded, customs formalities will not be processed during the journey. Failure to do so could result, upon entry into France, in being directed to the ‘orange’ lane for the completion of customs formalities; conversely, upon leaving France, it could prevent the completion of customs formalities and necessitate the presentation of alternative evidence for customs clearance.