BY:
SHARE:
The French customs authorities have announced that the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO), a mandatory documentary control for the French border, will be delayed until later in the autumn of 2025.
The ELO is a method of collating all customs paperwork under one barcoded reference number, allocated to the driver before the crossing into France with goods for import. One truck or lorry, one ELO barcode.
The ELO has been live since April of this year (2025), allowing for trial running before its full go-live implementation at the end of August 2025.
The ELO, or mandatory compliance envelope, must be created by a pre-designated party or ELO creator, who will serve as the single point of contact for collating all customs regulatory paperwork before the goods begin crossing into France.
Goods are then risk-assessed during the crossing and directed to either the Green or Amber lane upon reaching France.
Implementation is now expected later in the Autumn of 2025 and will represent a substantial compliance change for those involved in exporting goods through the French short straits.
A link to the French Douanes (Customs) is below. The site is constructed with translation and instructions in English. Frequently Asked Questions:
The French Customs Authorities can be contacted at the email address below:
dg-comint1-fil@douane.finances.gouv.fr
Historical Articles on the ELO are available on the S&H website:
OneCall™ Email assistance as and when required; A one-call solution for all your import, export and customs enquiries. Export help. Import help. Customs help.
Stay informed about customs and international trade matters by subscribing to our OneCall™ service. This comprehensive offering includes a dedicated email helpline for support, timely practical updates direct to your inbox (Did You Know?), monthly UK Customs & Trade Briefings and access to an interactive members' area with an exclusive community for our subscribers.
International Trade Updates & Spotlight Newsletter
Subscribe to our free information emails covering international trade topics...
MORE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS...
