Trade between the UK and France remains vital for thousands of British firms, from manufacturers and retailers to supply chain partners. Here in Wiltshire, we see first-hand how local businesses depend on these connections to keep goods moving and stay competitive across European markets. As the second-largest EU economy and a close neighbour, France continues to be a key export and import destination. But with several important regulatory changes coming into effect this year, businesses moving goods across the Channel in 2025 will need to stay alert to shifting logistics requirements.
UK–France Trade Snapshot
France consistently ranks among the UK’s top trading partners. In 2024, bilateral trade reached over £100 billion, with strong performance in sectors like machinery, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. A large share of goods are moved by road, taking advantage of flexible ferry and tunnel links that keep supply chains flowing across the Channel.
Road Freight: The Core Route for Shipments
Road freight is the mainstay for commercial goods moving between the UK and France. It’s fast, reliable, and suited to everything from high-volume pallet deliveries to single-item shipments. Most UK businesses rely on:
- FTL (Full Truck Load) – ideal when you have enough cargo to fill an entire vehicle
- LTL (Less Than Truck Load) – suitable for part-loads where cost efficiency matters
- Groupage – consolidates smaller loads from different companies into a single truck, cutting transport costs across borders
Each option suits different needs depending on volume, timing, and budget. If you’re considering which approach is right for your business, our guide to sending road freight to France covers these services in more detail and explains how to prepare your shipment.
Regulatory Changes in 2025
Several new rules affecting UK–France road freight begin to take effect this year. One of the most important is the introduction of the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO).
ELO is a digital system designed to bring all customs and transport paperwork together under one barcode per lorry. It simplifies border checks and helps prevent missing or inconsistent documents. Businesses can start using ELO voluntarily from April 2025, but it becomes mandatory on 1st September 2025. Preparing early will be key to avoiding disruption.
Another regulation to note affects trucks over 40 tonnes. From October 2025, these vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards (i.e. registered after January 2014) to operate in France. This will impact fleet decisions, especially for businesses running older lorries on cross-border routes.
What to Know About Customs and Paperwork
The ELO system will become the go-to format for submitting all necessary documentation in one place. The barcode must be scanned at checkpoints and includes declarations submitted via ICS2, Delta, and SI Brexit, all of which remain active alongside ELO.
Three parties will typically be involved:
- Economic operators – the businesses shipping the goods
- ELO managers – those responsible for assembling and validating the envelope
- Drivers – who will present the ELO barcode at customs and border checks
Getting declarations right is essential. Errors or omissions can cause delays, penalties, or even seizure of goods at the border.
Checklist for British Businesses
To avoid costly delays and keep goods flowing smoothly, UK companies should:
- Check that your logistics providers are actively preparing for ELO requirements
- Make sure your vehicles meet Euro 6 emissions standards if over 40 tonnes
- Nominate someone to oversee ELO creation and coordinate customs documentation
- Follow updates on transitional arrangements and requirements at French border points
- Use groupage or LTL services to keep shipping affordable for smaller deliveries
For smaller loads that don’t require a full truck, pallet shipping remains a practical and cost-effective option. If this fits your needs, see our guide on how to send Pallets in the UK and Europe for straightforward advice and service options.
French Freight Market Trends
The logistics sector in France is seeing steady growth, with a strong push towards digital systems like ELO and increased automation in freight operations. Sustainability is also a top priority, with emission rules encouraging cleaner fleets and efficient supply chains.
Larger logistics providers are forming strategic partnerships, and there’s growing investment in tech-driven solutions to improve tracking, scheduling, and paperwork handling.
According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the French freight market is expected to expand steadily through 2025, driven by infrastructure upgrades and demand for streamlined international services.
Final Thoughts
2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for UK–France freight. With the introduction of the ELO system and emissions standards for heavy trucks, British businesses will need to plan ahead, get paperwork in order, and work with experienced logistics partners.
Staying informed and proactive now can help avoid costly issues later, and keep your goods moving across the Channel smoothly and reliably.
