Transport between France and the UK: all you need to know about ELO & ICS2 before September 2025

Since Brexit, trade in goods between France and the United Kingdom has come under new requirements. In order to strengthen border controls and facilitate port transit, the French customs administration has introduced a new system: the ELO, Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire – Mandatory Logistics Envelope. Launched on April 28, 2025, it will be mandatory from September 1, 2025. These changes are part of a larger program to modernize procedures, notably with the introduction of the ENS (January 2025), which is now managed via the European ICS2 system.

As of September 1, 2025, the ELO will become mandatory for all RoRo and RoPax transport between France and the UK. This new system will centralize logistics and customs data in a single digital document, which will be scanned before boarding. Carriers, logistics professionals, and fleet managers: an upgrade is necessary to avoid delays and increased controls.

What exactly is ELO?

On April 28, 2025, the French customs administration rolled out the Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO), replacing the old “envelope” system. It centralizes all information relating to cargo (full or empty) and customs formalities under a single reference identified by a barcode scanned upon arrival at the port.

From September 1, 2025, ELO will become mandatory; beyond this date, trucks without an ELO barcode will be redirected to the orange lane for manual processing. It includes all of the following data:

• Customs documents
• ENS
• Vehicle load type
• Port of entry

Reminder: What is the ENS (Entry Summary Declaration)?

Since 31 January 2025, the ENS (Summary Entry Declaration) has become a mandatory document for all carriers entering or leaving the UK. Contains essential information about the cargo being transported (type, origin, destination, consignor, etc.) to enable customs authorities to carry out a preliminary risk analysis. You can find all the necessary information in our article on ENS, as well as in our intuitive and quick solution to get it. In the ELO system, only ENS archived in ICS 2 are accepted, reinforcing the reliability and traceability of exchanges.

IC 2 : Essential for complete flows

Creating an ELO also requires sending an ENS. However, it is important to note that only ENS submitted in the ICS2 system (Import Control System 2) can be associated with an ELO. Thus, it is crucial that operators prepare for the transition to this new system by September 2025.

The Negometal solution: your best resource for efficiency and compliance

No paper, all this serves to protect the supply chain. In reality, many companies waste time trying to understand the rules, adjusting their systems and hoping that their goods are not stuck because of a form filled out incorrectly.

Forget these administrative worries and focus on your business. Our solution, through our partner Getlink, offers an intuitive and fast platform, perfectly adapted to these regulatory changes.

• Interface intuitive and fast: our platform includes management of ELO, GMR and ENS via ICS 2. With just a few clicks you can load data, manage ENS, import/export statements and directly generate the necessary barcode to facilitate transactions.
• Time saving and simplicity: no more switching between several official platforms. Our automated solution reduces errors and facilitates creation and tracking. The result: a simplified, smooth and secure process.
• Optimized costs: 11€ (for a truck without groupage), including ENS, GMR and ELO declaration. Competitive prices, presented clearly without hidden fees. Savings from automation and penalty avoidance make our solution quickly affordable.
• Customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: in case of questions or problems, our support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By phone, chat or email, our customs and logistics experts will guide you through each step, ensuring peace of mind and compliance.

For transport and logistics companies, it is necessary to adapt now to avoid blockages or delays from September 2025. Don’t waste time: try our platform today.

Get in touch with our team for a custom demo and opt for compliance and time saving right now.