French version

Why an ELO?

ELO has been designed to consolidate all information relating to the cargo and customs formalities required for crossing the smart border into a single barcode. This system is intended to reduce processing times and ensure more secure handling of customs procedures for both import and export flows.

Important Information on the Transition Period (April 28 to September 1, 2025)

To allow operators to adapt to the new system, a transition period will run until September 1, 2025. During this period, the use of ELO remains optional, although strongly recommended in preparation for its mandatory implementation starting September 1. Operators may continue to present declaration barcodes for pairing purposes until that date.

Using ELO

Operators with RoRo flows with the United Kingdom should note the following:

• For exports and for all empty trucks, whether for import or export, ELO can be used by any operator through their individual douane.gouv.fr account.
• For imports involving full trucks, and when an ENS is required, operators must have switched their ENS filings to ICS2 in order to be able to create an ELO. ELO will not accept ICS1 ENS.

Shutdown of the current envelope system

On April 28, 2025 at 7:00 AM, the current envelope system will be decommissioned. After this date, transport units presenting an envelope reference in the old format will be redirected to the orange lane for manual processing at the customs office. It is advised not to use an old envelope for pairing after this date in order to ensure a smooth border crossing.

Users of the current envelope system who are not yet able to use ELO will be required to present all customs declarations at the time of pairing. ENS declarations, however, do not need to be scanned, as they are processed differently via ICS1.
 

A detailed instruction manual on the procedures for crossing the Smart Border will be published shortly. The COMINT1 office regularly updates information related to ELO on the page douane.gouv.fr/ELO.