OBLIGATORY
LOGISTICS
ENVELOPE
ELO is an online virtual envelope consolidating all customs and security documentation into a unique barcode required for all imports/exports via France. It is a European equivalent of GMR code and serves the same purpose: simplifying transportation of goods across the French EU border.
WHAT PROBLEM ELO SOLVES?
Reduces errors and speeds up border crossings by linking all data to one reference.
WHY ELO IS IMPORTANT?
ELO is crucial because it consolidates all required customs and safety documentation into a single digital barcode, streamlining and securing Ro‑Ro cross‑Channel border crossings while reducing errors and waiting times.
HOW ELO WORKS?
Provide Key Declarations
Submit the necessary MRN numbers, including your ICS2 declaration and T1 declaration.
Data Entry & Verification
We input and verify all information to ensure your ELO declaration is accurate and ready for submission.
Quick Submission
Once complete, your ELO declaration is processed swiftly, helping your shipment cross the EU border without delays.
OUR ELO SOLUTION
Move Expert helps transport companies generate their Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) quickly and accurately, combining all required EU customs and ENS documents into a single barcode. This reduces errors, prevents border delays, ensures compliance, and streamlines EU–UK freight operations.
Faster & Smoother Crossings
By consolidating all declarations and paperwork into one barcode, ELO speeds up border checks at Ro‑Ro ports like Calais, Dunkirk, and Eurotunnel, reducing queues and manual verification time.
Improved Compliance & Accuracy
Obligatory Logistics Envelope ensures that all necessary customs, safety, and transport references are correctly paired and validated before arrival at the border, reducing errors and the risk of refusals.
Enhanced Visibility & Control
With a single digital envelope and barcode presented at check‑in, carriers and shippers gain better tracking and certainty over declaration status and regulatory readiness for border crossings.
OUR OTHER SOLUTIONS
Your ELO is only one step in preparing a compliant UK – EU crossing. With Move Expert, you can also manage your ferry booking, ENS declaration, ICS2 filing, GMR creation, and UK HGV Levy payment in one streamlined process. Centralising your transport documents reduces errors, prevents border delays, and saves valuable operational time.
Discover our Freight Ferry Booking Service and handle your entire crossing in one place.
ICS2
File your ICS2 declaration accurately to ensure compliant EU pre-arrival security screening.
ENS GB
Submit your ENS on time to meet safety and security requirements for UK and EU entry.
GMR
Create your GMR easily to link all customs documents and cross the UK border without delays.
ELO (Obligatory Logistics Envelope) FAQ: for transport companies
What is the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO)?
The Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) is a system that groups all EU customs and ENS documents into a single barcode, allowing faster and more efficient border processing for freight transport.
Is ELO mandatory for freight transport within the EU?
Yes, for certain EU border crossings, particularly road transport, Obligatory Logistics Envelope is mandatory for digitally link customs and security documents before arrival at the port or terminal.
Who is responsible for creating the Obligatory Logistics Envelope?
The transport operator or carrier is responsible for ensuring the Obligatory Logistics Envelope is generated before arrival. Many companies use a service provider like Move Expert to avoid errors or missing documents.
What documents are included in an ELO barcode?
The Obligatory Logistics Envelope can include:
- EU ENS declaration
- Import/export customs declarations
- Transit documents (T1/T2)
- Other required safety filings
All linked into one scannable code.
What happens if the ELO is missing or incorrect?
If the Obligatory Logistics Envelope is missing or invalid, trucks may be stopped at the terminal, refused boarding, or delayed at the EU border, causing operational and financial impact.
When must the Obligatory Logistics Envelope be created?
The Obligatory Logistics Envelope must be generated before the vehicle arrives at the port or EU entry point to ensure smooth processing and avoid last-minute compliance issues.
How does ELO reduce border delays for transport companies?
By consolidating all required documents into one barcode, customs authorities can quickly verify compliance, reducing inspection time and minimizing congestion at busy EU ferry ports.
Can ELO be managed together with ENS, ICS2 and ferry booking?
Yes. With Move Expert, transport companies can handle Obligatory Logistics Envelope, Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), Import Control System 2 (ICS2) declarations and ferry booking in one streamlined process, reducing administrative burden and risk of errors.
Can the ELO be updated after submission?
Yes. Corrections or updates are allowed before the border check. After scanning at the port, the ELO cannot be modified for that shipment
What is the validity period of an ELO?
The Obligatory Logistics Envelope is valid only for the planned crossing. For each new shipment or return trip, a new ELO must be generated.
Can Move Expert handle ELO for multiple vehicles at once?
Yes. Move Expert can generate and manage Obligatory Logistics Envelopes for fleets or multiple shipments, reducing errors and administrative workload.
HOW TO BENEFIT FROM IT?
Get in touch with us to discover how we can support your ELO compliance.
