Understanding the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO)
- Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
If the September 1, 2025, deadline for the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) has been on your mind, we have important news. France has successfully secured a derogation, officially extending the implementation timeline for ICS2 Release 3 for road and rail cargo. The new, official mandatory deadline for full ELO compliance is 31 December, 2025.
This extension isn’t a delay—it’s your final window to ensure systems and processes are fully ready. Hauliers, exporters, and freight forwarders can now turn this regulatory requirement into a strategic advantage. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO)?
The Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) is a unified online service that consolidates customs and logistics data into a single reference point. It is important to note that ELO does not replace or integrate with any UK customs formalities.
The system’s main goal is to simplify border crossings at the Smart Border by allowing drivers to present a single barcode that contains all the information needed for their journey. This helps reduce delays, errors, and unnecessary paperwork.
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Implementation timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1 April 2025 | Introduction of the ELO system with a transition phase. |
| 1 September 2025 | Initial mandatory compliance, requiring drivers to present the ELO-linked barcode at border crossings. |
| 1 January 2026 | Final mandatory deadline for full ELO compliance, aligned with the ICS2 Release 3 extension for road & rail shipments into France. |
Key objectives of ELO
- It guarantees that all the customs declarations are correctly submitted and have appropriate status at the border.
- It harmonises pairing methods between the UK and France, reducing manual errors and simplifying the overall process.
- It offers a single barcode consolidating all the required data that streamlines the processes for the drivers.
Stakeholders impacted by ELO
- Drivers: Lorry drivers will benefit from streamlined border crossings thanks to a single barcode that contains all the required information.
- Economic operators: They need to modify their processes to guarantee compliance. A single person will be designated to create the ELO.
- ELO managers: They will use the new ELO interface and have a Prodouane account. Additionally, they will need to collect all of the information required to create the ELO from the other economic operators in the supply chain.
How does the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) facilitate traders?
To facilitate cross-border logistics between France and the UK, the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) offers a number of innovative features. Here is a thorough breakdown of its salient features:
Single ELO per truck
All vehicles must have their own ELO, whether they are empty or loaded with cargo. This guarantees that the system has a record of each truck that crosses the Smart Border.
The “one ELO per truck” rule makes it impossible to make more than one sub-envelope for a single vehicle, which makes things easier for both drivers and logistics operators.
Unified barcode
The unified barcode serves as a digital summary of all the necessary information. It contains declaration data and goods information. The ELO eliminates the need for drivers to handle numerous documents or declarations at border checkpoints by combining all of this data into a single barcode.
Single reference for drivers
Drivers only need to provide the ELO-linked barcode as a single point of reference to link a truck with the logistics information and customs declarations. This reference connects the truck with its virtual documentation.
It guarantees that customs officers can promptly confirm that the truck complies with all applicable laws without needing the driver to provide extra manual information.
Integration with the ICS2
During the transition period (31 December 2025), traders using ELO must submit their Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) to the ICS2. The ELO system is designed only to accept ICS2 declarations submitted as ENS, ensuring that all pre-arrival security data meets EU requirements. By integrating ELO with ICS2 in this way, traders can streamline documentation, reduce errors, and stay compliant during the transition phase.
Stay ahead with iCustom:
With iCustom, submitting your ENS via ICS2 is simplified and automated. Our advanced AI platform ensures that your ELO data is fully aligned with ICS2 requirements, helping you avoid delays, errors, and last-minute border issues.
Key iCustom Features
- iDP – Streamline your documentation and ELO submissions effortlessly, reducing errors and saving valuable time. With Instant Data Extraction, iDP can pull information directly from your files, while iTeach allows our AI to learn in real time, improving accuracy with every use. Smart checks ensure all data is validated before submission, keeping your shipments fully compliant.
- ICS2 – Our platform makes ICS2 and ELO declarations faster and simpler than ever. With full API support for F15 and F50 filings across road and ocean transport, reusable contacts, amendments, and ENS EU integration, managing submissions has never been easier.
- Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), bulk uploads, reusable templates, and comprehensive tracking through listings and archives make repetitive tasks effortless, while support for all transport modes ensures a smooth, error-free compliance process.
With iCustom, managing ELO and ICS2 becomes fast, reliable, and stress-free, giving you more time to focus on your business.
Wrapping up
The implementation of the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) marks a major step forward in enhancing compliance and efficiency at the UK–France Smart Border. To ensure a smooth transition and avoid last-minute disruptions, hauliers, exporters, and freight forwarders need to prepare well in advance. With ELO in place, cross-border logistics is set to become more streamlined, reliable, and hassle-free, paving the way for a safer, faster, and more predictable shipping experience.
Struggling to stay compliant at the UK–France border?
Prepare your ELO and ICS2 deadlines with confidence using iCustom.
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About iCustoms
iCustoms is an all-in-one solution helping businesses automate customs processes more efficiently. With AI-powered and machine-learning capabilities, iCustoms is designed to streamline your all customs procedures in a few minutes, cut additional costs and save time.
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Automate declarations, track shipments, & ensure compliance.