Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO)

What is the Obligatory Logistics Envelope? Definition

The Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) is a digital document wallet that groups, under a single reference, information relating to the load as well as references for customs and safety-security formalities required for crossing the smart border between France and the United Kingdom.

Only one ELO must be created per transport unit. Once validated, it is materialised by a unique barcode that the driver presents when checking in with the ferry company. The ELO can be created for a loaded or empty transport unit, whether accompanied or unaccompanied.

A transport unit using thesmart border without an ELO may be refused boarding or be subject to specific customs processing upon arrival.

Context of use

The ELO is exclusively used within the framework of the France–United Kingdom smart border for RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) traffic:

• Road transport between France and the United Kingdom, for both import and export;
• Loaded or empty transport units;
• Accompanied or unaccompanied transport;
• Flows for which customs or safety-security formalities are required.

The ELO does not replace customs formalities: it allows their references to be grouped together to facilitate and secure border crossing. Nor does it replace British customs formalities: the GMR (Goods Movement Reference) remains necessary for crossing the British border.

Practical challenges

The use of the logistics envelope involves significant obligations:

• Mandatory prior creation and validation before crossing
• Unique barcode to be presented to the carrier
• Complete and accurate security data required
• Permanent accessibility for customs controls
• Carrier’s responsibility to present the validated envelope

How SAFE via conex™ simplifies the logistics envelope

SAFE via conex™ automates the management of the logistics envelope:

• Creation and validation of the ELO
  Barcode generation
  Transmission to authorities
  Crossing tracking
  Document archiving

With SAFE via Conex™, your border crossings are smooth and compliant.

Related terms

Digital document wallet
Smart border
Customs barcode
Transport traceability
Brexit