Since the UK is no longer part of the EU customs union or single market, freight crossing the Channel now requires greater documentation, digital traceability, and customs coordination — precisely the logistical areas the ELO is designed to improve

1. Post-Brexit Complexity and the Role of ELO

With Brexit, freight moving between the UK and EU faces:

• Customs declarations on both sides
• Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls
• Transit documentation (TAD, TIR, etc.)
• Increased inspections and border delays

The ELO, as a consolidated documentation package, can streamline the preparation, presentation, and sharing of these documents, reducing friction in both Calais–Dover and Eurotunnel crossings.

Use Case Example:
A French exporter shipping perishable goods to the UK can use the ELO to bundle:

• The CMR (Consignment Note)
• Export and transit declarations
• SPS certificates
• Vehicle compliance records

This helps customs and border officials quickly validate the shipment, reducing hold-ups.

2. Digital ELO and Border Efficiency

Digitalization is key at smart border hubs such as:

• Port of Calais
• Eurotunnel Freight Terminals
• Port of Dover

With smart border technology (e.g., SI Brexit, Eurotunnel’s “Europorte” solutions), digital ELOs can:

• Pre-notify authorities
• Transmit documents ahead of arrival
• Trigger automated customs clearance

This aligns with broader EU efforts (e.g., eFTI Regulation, Single Window Environment for Customs) to digitize freight documentation across international borders.

3. Challenges Specific to Cross-Channel Logistics

Despite its benefits, deploying the ELO across the Channel faces hurdles:

• Regulatory Divergence

The UK does not currently recognize an “ELO” framework. Coordination depends on bilateral agreements or operator cooperation (e.g., French logistics providers using ELO while meeting UK port requirements separately).

• Language and System Differences

Some UK carriers or forwarders may not be familiar with ELO or lack the infrastructure to integrate with EU digital systems — complicating shared access.

• Carrier Readiness

Small carriers may struggle to digitize paperwork or meet ELO standards, leading to inconsistent application

4. Strategic Benefits for Stakeholders

For EU-based shippers:

• Use ELO to ensure shipments are fully compliant before departure.
• Reduce cross-border delays with pre-packaged, traceable documentation.

For UK-based importers:

• Gain visibility and assurance from EU suppliers using ELO.
• Simplify customs clearance by receiving complete digital documentation.

For Customs and Border Agencies:

• Improve targeting and reduce unnecessary checks.
• Facilitate smoother, faster flows during peak periods (e.g., holidays, crisis logistics).

5. Policy Outlook

While the UK has its own customs systems, pressure is growing for interoperability with EU digital logistics platforms. Over time, we may see:

• Bilateral ELO recognition
• API-based document exchanges

Integration with UK’s Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS

In cross-Channel freight flows, the ELO can act as a powerful tool for reducing paperwork-related delays, boosting compliance, and improving visibility. However, for maximum benefit, greater interoperability between UK and EU systems — and wider industry adoption — will be necessary. Businesses on both sides of the Channel should invest now in digital logistics infrastructure, staff training, and bilateral coordination to make the most of ELO’s promise in a post-Brexit logistics landscape.