ELO Declaration Explained: What Hauliers Need to Know Before April 2026

The ELO (Envelope Logistique Obligatoire) is a customs envelope that confirms all customs formalities have been completed before a vehicle arrives at the port. It replaces the previous customs envelope system and applies to both loaded and empty vehicles travelling in EU–UK and UK–EU directions. For hauliers, the change is significant. From April 2026, no vehicle will be able to board a ferry or enter a port terminal without a valid ELO. The system works by linking all relevant customs declarations to a single barcode, which port authorities scan to verify compliance. If the barcode does not confirm that all formalities are complete, the vehicle will not be permitted to proceed. The documents required depend on the direction of travel. For EU to UK movements, carriers need one of the following: an export declaration, an ATA Carnet, a TIR Carnet, or a transit declaration. For UK to EU movements, the requirements are a T1 declaration, an ATA Carnet or TIR Carnet, and an ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) for the EU. The carrier is responsible for creating the ELO, though this can also be done by a company authorised to act on behalf of the carrier — which is where Eurogate Connect comes in. Eurogate Connect’s customs team handles ELO declarations for hauliers operating across Europe. With offices in Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria, and a team experienced in ENS, ELO, T1, T2, Portbase, and RXSeaport documentation, the process is handled from submission to confirmation. If you are running trucks between the EU and UK, the ELO deadline is not optional. Getting set up before April means avoiding delays at the port when enforcement begins. Contact the Eurogate Connect customs team: sales@eurogateconnect.com | +36 1 889 2520 | www.eurogateconnect.com Plan. Book. Go.