MRN: The Key Identifier in the Supply Chain

The Movement Reference Number (MRN) is a unique 18-character customs identifier generated whenever an import or export declaration is successfully submitted to customs. It serves as the main reference number for customs declarations.

Importance of the MRN for Tracking and Customs Clearance

The MRN is critical in international trade, simplifying customs declaration processes and ensuring the efficient movement of goods across borders. It initiates the export process and allows for the shipment of goods. Its benefits include smoother and faster customs clearance, better tracking and management, and the possibility of suspending import taxes and duties temporarily. It electronically links cargo to the necessary authorities, streamlining clearance at the destination and potentially avoiding inspections at each border crossing.

How the MRN Is Generated and Its Structure

The MRN is automatically generated by customs authorities (e.g., CDS in the UK/EU) after a declaration is submitted. Its 18-character alphanumeric structure typically includes:

• The first two characters representing the year of shipment (e.g., „20” for 2020).
• The next two characters representing the two-letter country code of the originating country (e.g., „DE” for Germany, „GB” for the United Kingdom).
• The final 14 characters are an alphanumeric code automatically generated by customs authorities.

Obligation to Embed the MRN in the ENS Declaration within the ELO

A key requirement for the new French ELO system is that only ICS2-compliant ENS declarations will be accepted within the ELO. Once an ENS declaration is submitted to ICS2 and an MRN is returned, that specific MRN must then be embedded in the ELO. The ELO will explicitly reject older MRNs from ICS1.
This direct linkage ensures that pre-arrival security data (ENS/ICS2) is seamlessly connected to the physical movement of goods through the ELO barcode, facilitating efficient border verification.
The MRN serves as a critical digital connector, integrating the pan-European security system (ICS2/ENS) with France’s national logistics envelope (ELO). It allows customs authorities to quickly retrieve all relevant pre-arrival security data when the ELO barcode is scanned at the French border.
For businesses, this means that accurate and timely generation and sharing of MRNs is crucial — any disruption will break the digital chain and cause delays. The role of the MRN underscores the growing importance of data accuracy and interoperability across customs systems.

ELO: The Mandatory Logistics Envelope – A New Standard at the French Border

ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire) is a new French customs framework designed to consolidate all critical border documents into a single digital envelope. This envelope is represented by a unique barcode or ELO number, simplifying customs verification at the border.
The main goals of ELO are:

• Simplifying and centralizing customs documentation.
• Reducing the risk of missing or mismatched documents.
• Increasing the efficiency of border controls.
• Reducing congestion at high-traffic entry points.

It ensures that all customs and logistics data are accurately linked and finalized before goods arrive at the border.

Scope of ELO Application: RoRo Ports and Eurotunnel, UK-France Traffic, Empty and Loaded Vehicles

ELO is mandatory for goods entering and exiting France through RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ports and the Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel). This applies to major ports such as Calais, Dunkirk, and Le Havre, which handle most of the freight traffic between the UK and France. It covers both accompanied and unaccompanied transport, regardless of whether the vehicle is empty or loaded. Even empty trucks returning home must have a valid ELO reference number. The scope of ELO is strictly limited to the Smart Border process with the UK, applying to both directions of border crossing: import (from the UK to the EU) and export (from the EU to the UK). However, some sources indicate that ELO is currently „for import only” when exporting from France back to the UK, which still relies on the French export system and the UK GVMS.

Key Features of ELO: One Document Per Vehicle, Consolidation of All Documents

• Jedno ELO = Jedna Ciężarówka: Każde ELO odpowiada jednej ciężarówce, zapewniając efektywny system śledzenia. Nie można tworzyć wielu ELO na jedną ciężarówkę, ani pod-ELO.
• Konsolidacja Deklaracji: ELO działa jako cyfrowa „koperta”, która łączy wszystkie wymagane dokumenty i dane do przekroczenia granicy w jeden kod kreskowy i jedno odniesienie. Obejmuje to:

• Deklaracje wstępne (ENS) zgodne z ICS2.

• Deklaracje importowe (Delta G).

• Deklaracje eksportowe (Delta X/i).

• Deklaracje tranzytowe (numery MRN T1/T-cover).

• Listy przewozowe CMR lub konosamenty house.

• Certyfikaty zdrowia TRACES NT dla środków sanitarnych/fitosanitarnych (mięso, nabiał, rośliny, zwierzęta domowe, produkty uboczne pochodzenia zwierzęcego).

• Licencje na towary kontrolowane (podwójnego zastosowania, akcyzowe, przedmioty kultury, dzikie zwierzęta CITES).
• Wszelkie faktury pomocnicze lub listy pakowania, do których odwołuje się zgłoszenie celne.

How ELO Works with ICS2 and SI Brexit

ELO is closely linked with ICS2, requiring at least one ENS declaration in compliance with ICS2 for each ELO. This ensures the integration of security data prior to arrival from ICS2 with ELO for border verification. ELO complements, rather than replaces, the existing French Smart Border system (SI Brexit). SI Brexit serves as an interface between the systems of shipping companies, existing customs procedures (Delta G, Delta T, ICS), and sanitary IT systems (TRACES). ELO specializes in RoRo traffic and offers a user-friendly interface, while SI Brexit remains for fixed-line rail transport and ports linked to inventory. These systems exchange data, operating in parallel to streamline border crossing.

ELO is France’s response to the „digital gap” that even appeared in previous Smart Border initiatives, where port personnel still had to check multiple reference numbers for a single vehicle, leading to errors and queues. By requiring operators to consolidate all references into a single barcode up front, ELO aims to automatically pre-validate shipments. This means that if a risk analysis flags a shipment, drivers will know before leaving the UK, not when they are stuck at the barrier in Calais. This significantly reduces manual intervention, improves efficiency, and contributes to more environmentally-friendly logistics by shortening idle time.

The concept of the „port pass,” exemplified by ELO and GMR, is a key trend in modern border management. It shifts the burden of document verification from the physical border crossing to the digital pre-clearance stage. This means that physically presenting the barcode at customs is simply a trigger for the already completed digital validation. This system allows customs authorities to conduct risk analysis during transit, leading to quicker „green lane” departures for compliant shipments and early identification of „orange lane” inspections, thus optimizing port flow and reducing physical congestion. This evolution of the port pass is a central element of the „Smart Border” initiative.

Practical Steps: Creating and Managing ELO

ELO must be created by an authorized party, often referred to as the „ELO Creator” or „ELO Manager.” This responsibility usually falls on the party in charge of the arrival or departure of the shipment in France. This could be the freight forwarder, customs broker, carrier, or even the importer/exporter if they manage their own logistics. French law places the legal responsibility for providing the ELO on the transport operator (carrier or manager of the unaccompanied trailer). Any party in the logistics chain that can centralize all necessary information can create an ELO, and the responsible party may change for each crossing.

Role of the „ELO Creator” or „ELO Manager”

The ELO Creator is responsible for gathering customs data and declarations from all relevant partners in the logistics chain. They collect the necessary MRN numbers and customs information and submit them via the French Prodouane platform. They must ensure that all required customs documents are complete and have the correct status before creating the ELO. Once the ELO barcode (or ELO number) is generated, it must be provided to the driver or transport company, as it must be presented at the border. The ELO Creator will have increased visibility, being able to track the progress of goods through the Smart Border (pairing/loading/unloading) and review previously created ELOs.

Registration Process on the Prodouane Portal and Creating ELO (Step-by-Step)

• Step 1: Register a Prodouane account: The ELO Creator/Manager must register an individual account on douane.gouv.fr. This account is free. Although the registration process is mostly in French, a user guide is available. Customs authorities recommend applying well in advance of September, as validation can take several weeks.

• Step 2: Access the ELO application: After logging in to the Prodouane portal, users can find the ELO application. The application offers a language selection (French or English).

• Step 3: Create a new ELO: Click the „Create ELO” section.

• Step 4: Enter pairing data: Fill in information regarding the route and goods. This includes selecting the direction of border crossing (import UK to EU or export EU to UK) and the type of truck (empty or full). If „full,” a third section related to formalities will appear.

• Step 5: Specify formalities: Choose the appropriate options if the cargo involves specific formalities (e.g., sanitary/phytosanitary measures, ATA carnet, SPS products, controlled goods).

• Step 6: Validate pairing data: Click „Validate” to create the ELO in „draft” status and receive a temporary reference number.

• Step 7: Add declarations (MRN): In the „Manage Declarations” tab, enter the reference number of the declaration (e.g., MRN ENS, transit MRN, import/export MRN) and click „Add Declaration.” The ELO Creator must link all relevant customs declarations to this envelope. Only MRN ENS numbers compliant with ICS2 will be accepted.

• Step 8: Finalize and close the ELO: After consolidating all required information and declarations, the ELO can be finalized. The ELO must be created before the goods reach the French border.

• Step 9: Share the barcode: The generated ELO barcode should be provided to the driver (on their phone or as a printout) to be presented at customs.

ELO Creation Requirement Before Goods Arrive at the Border

A key requirement is the creation of ELO and linking all relevant declarations before the goods arrive at the French border. This preliminary submission is fundamental for the system’s efficiency.

Importance of Coordination and Information Exchange in the Supply Chain

Coordination between all parties in the supply chain (exporters, carriers, customs agents, logistics service providers) is crucial. Since ELO can contain documents created by various entities, clear communication and document sharing protocols must be established. Many actors cannot modify a single envelope simultaneously, so it is essential to clearly define contractual responsibility.

The ELO system effectively shifts the administrative burden from the driver at the border to the back-office operations of logistics service providers, freight forwarders, or designated ELO managers. This centralization of documentation and digital reporting requires a high degree of digital skills and robust IT infrastructure in these companies. It also emphasizes internal coordination and the clear assignment of duties regarding data collection and ELO creation. Companies that do not invest in staff training and system upgrades will struggle, as the „end of paper documentation” means that manual processes are no longer an option for compliance.

ELO establishes a „single source of truth” for a specific truck crossing the border into France. This digital envelope contains all necessary customs, security, protection, and sanitary information, eliminating the need for fragmented documentation and reducing the risk of errors or discrepancies. This centralized digital record enables French customs authorities to automatically pre-validate shipments and provides increased visibility for the ELO creator. This concept of a single, comprehensive digital record is a powerful tool enabling faster, more predictable border crossings and aligns with the broader EU vision of the „Single Window” for customs.

Table 3: Responsibilities in the ELO Creation Process