Key points
- French customs released SI Brexit version 7.7.1, which updates the ELO service, on 28 September 2026.
- Operators can now flag that DELTA IE and/or DELTA T are unavailable when creating an ELO.
- Trucks entering France with such a flag are always sent to the orange lane for checks.
- Empty pallets and packaging can now be declared in ELO for exports to the UK, not only for imports.
The changes are described in a notice for operators and in the updated ELO information page of the French customs administration (DGDDI), last updated on 13 October.
ELO, the Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire, has been mandatory since 20 April 2026. Every transport unit crossing between France and the UK by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel needs its own ELO, whether loaded or empty.
What changes when DELTA is down
Until now, if DELTA IE (exports and imports) or DELTA T (transit) was not working, an operator could not always obtain the customs reference numbers needed to complete an ELO. Without an ELO, the lorry could not be matched to its documents at check-in.
With version 7.7.1, the operator can tick an option saying that DELTA IE and/or DELTA T are unavailable. This can be used in two situations:
- when the outage is noticed before customs officially trigger a contingency procedure and before it appears on the customs service status page. The operator must then also send a support request,
- when a failure or planned maintenance has triggered an official contingency procedure.
The option must be used for as long as the outage or contingency procedure lasts. The ELO barcode can then be presented at check-in in all cases, so ferry and tunnel operators can match the ELO without questioning the contingency documents.
During an outage, operators can no longer enter import or transit MRN references in ELO, but they must still enter the MRN of the entry summary declaration (ENS).
No fast track
French customs are clear that the option gives no extra facilitation at the border. Transport units entering France with an ELO flagged for an outage are “systematically directed to the orange lane”, where their customs status has to be regularised under the DELTA contingency procedures.
For exports to the UK, contingency rules also apply. The exit office no longer needs to stamp a copy of the export declaration, but the operator must send alternative proof to the export office to obtain the release for export and later re-enter the declaration in DELTA IE.
Empty pallets now both ways
The second change concerns trucks carrying only empty pallets or packaging. This option previously existed only for entry into France. Since 28 September it can also be used for exports to the UK.
According to French customs, no customs reference is needed for empty packaging and pallets going to the UK. For imports, an ENS reference is needed only if the goods move under a CMR transport contract.
What hauliers should do
Carriers and drivers using Calais, Dunkirk or the Eurotunnel should make sure dispatchers know about the new option and when to use it. If an outage is noticed before the official status page shows it, a support request must be sent as well. Drivers should also expect checks in the orange lane on arrival in France whenever the option is used.
