French ELO Deadline Pushed Back

France has extended the ELO transition deadline beyond 1 September 2025. Here's what importers and exporters must do next + access useful downloads.

From April 2025, France rolled out its new ELO (Obligatory Logistics Envelope) requirement for Smart Border crossings from the UK. Initially, presenting an ELO was optional until 1 September 2025. That’s now changed. The French Customs authority has officially extended the ELO transitional period to autumn 2025. A final date will be confirmed in September.

This post tells you exactly what that means for your cross-border trade and how to prepare now.

Arne’s Takeaways

France just gave traders more time to comply with ELO—but don’t wait. Update your ENS, ICS2, and CN code data now. Book a free call if you’re unclear about the Smart Border.

Key Questions Covered in This Blog

• What is the new ELO deadline and who does it affect?

• How do ICS2 and ELO work together?

• What documents must you present at the French Smart Border?

• What are the sanitary and excise rules you can’t ignore?

• How do CN code updates and EMCS rules impact your shipments?

  
  

Abbreviations Used In This Blog

ELO: Obligatory Logistics Envelope

ICS2: Import Control System 2

ENS: Entry Summary Declaration

CN: Combined Nomenclature

EMCS: Excise Movement Control System

"Post-Brexit French border clearance is no longer a guessing game. You either get it right—or your truck doesn’t roll." Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager

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