Reform of the EU Customs Code will include the introduction on 1 April 2025 of a new online service, Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO), which will apply for a five-month transitional period ending on 1 September 2025, after which the Obligatory Logistics Envelope will become mandatory.
It will not replace the SI Brexit but will exist in parallel with the smart border system and will offer a dedicated interface for operators.
The scope of the ELO is strictly limited to the Smart Border between France and the UK and applies exclusively to roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) transport, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, and whether empty or full.
French Customs explained: “Please note that ELO will only be used for the consolidation of the customs references necessary to cross the Brexit Smart Border and will not integrate or replace any UK customs formalities. A GMR (goods movement reference) will still be necessary to cross the UK Border.”
The use of the ELO for full lorries carrying goods covered by an ENS (entry summary declaration) will only be possible for operators who have migrated to the Import Control System 2 (ICS2). However, it will be possible to use ELO without restriction for empty lorries and for exports in the France-UK direction starting 1 April 2025.
According to the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), the ELO will simplify the pairing process and reduce manual errors, harmonise pairing methods between the UK and France and ensure that all declarations are correctly submitted and have the correct status at the border.
A webinar explaining the ELO, in English, can be accessed HERE, by giving contact details.
