UPDATE 01/08/2025 - We have been informed by HMRC that French customs will be postponing the deadline for ELO becoming a mandatory requirement from the 1st of September 2025 to later this Autumn. The precise date will be announced by French customs in September. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

An Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO) port pass will be introduced for shipments between GB and France on the 28th April 2025. It will become a mandatory requirement from the 1st September 2025. The deadline for ELO has now moved to later in 2025 during the Autumn.

Similar to the GMR port pass, an ELO will be used to inform customs authorities that all customs processes have been successfully completed (before the vehicle arrives at the port).

ELO is the responsibility of the haulier.

Why is ELO being introduced?

The introduction of the ELO will save time for drivers at the port. 

When all of the documents and data required for the border crossing (such as ENS, import, export and transit declarations) are merged into an ELO single barcode, the driver only needs to provide one piece of information at check-in instead of multiple separate pieces. This will allow the vehicle and declarations to be "linked" together.

How does it work?

Before the ferry/shuttle journey

Before arriving at the port, hauliers will need to designate an ELO creator who will register for a Prodouane account and upload the data to the ELO application. As is the case with GMRs and PBNs, the Freightlink Port Pass Generator will be available to simplify this process.

At check-in, the driver will then present their GMR and ELO single barcode.

On the ferry/shuttle

During the crossing, a risk analysis will be conducted, and the driver will be able to view the status of the vehicle on the display screens. This will let the driver know where to go after exiting the ferry or shuttle.

After the ferry/shuttle journey

After exiting the ferry or shuttle, the vehicle will be directed to one of two lanes - the green lane, if no further checks are needed, and the orange lane, if there are any additional checks required, or if the risk analysis is not yet complete. 

If directed to the green lane, the driver can exit the port as normal. If directed to the orange lane, the driver will need to go to the customs office at the point of first entry.

Complete ELO checklist for hauliers

1. Choose an ELO manager

The ELO manager is the individual who will be responsible for grouping the information for, and submitting, your ELO application. 

2. Register for a Prodouane account

The ELO manager will need to create a Prodouane account to manage their ELOs.

3. Provide the ELO manager with all relevant data

This includes an ENS, which is a mandatory requirement for all ELO applications.

4. Submit the ELO application/s

The ELO manager will need to create an ELO application for each vehicle (including empty vehicles). When all formalities have been uploaded to the ELO document, they will be reviewed to confirm that they are both present and in the proper status.

5. Make sure the driver has the ELO single barcode

The driver must present the ELO at the check-in. Whilst onboard the ferry/shuttle, a decision will be made about whether further checks are required. This will determine whether the driver should exit the ferry/shuttle via the green lane or the orange lane (see above).

That’s it! The best part? Creating and managing your ELOs is even easier with Freightlink.

Staying compliant

Our Port Pass Generator allows you to seamlessly generate port passes as part of your ferry booking. From GMRs and PBNs to ELOs (coming soon), the generator has everything you need to stay compliant.

Learn more about the Freightlink Port Pass Generator.

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