Choosing a T1 transit declaration in France is becoming increasingly popular among transport operators using the Dover–Calais route. Compared to declarations made in the UK, using the French DeltaT system helps you save time, avoid delays, and streamline the preparation of ELO and ENS documents. Let’s explore why this solution works better for many hauliers.
⏱️ Avoid Ashford – Save Hours on Every Journey
When a T1 transit declaration is submitted in the UK, the driver must present the goods at the Inland Border Facility (IBF) in Ashford before the transit can be opened. This often results in delays of one to even four hours – a significant waste of time and fuel.
In contrast, a T1 transit declaration in France allows goods to be automatically presented to customs upon entry into the EU, during the ferry or shuttle crossing. There is no need for the driver to stop or detour, which makes the process much faster and more efficient.
📅 Early Submission of T1 Transit Declaration in DeltaT (France)
The French DeltaT system allows you to submit a T1 declaration up to 72 hours before the planned crossing. This flexibility gives transport planners more control and allows time to prepare all required documentation in advance, including:
- 📦 Mandatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) – as required by French Customs
- 🌐 ENS Declarations in ICS2 – mandatory before entering the EU
Here’s the key technical point: you can’t prepare ELO or ENS documents until you have a valid MRN number from the T1 declaration. In the UK, the MRN is only generated after the driver presents the goods in Ashford, which leaves very little time for document preparation. As a result, the driver often needs to wait while the ELO Manager prepares everything.
In France, DeltaT issues the MRN as soon as the declaration is accepted, which means you can complete ELO and ENS long before the truck even reaches Dover.
🌙 Night Crossings? DeltaT Means Fewer Technical Issues
Most cross-Channel shipments happen at night or on weekends. In such cases, system reliability becomes crucial. Although the UK’s NCTS system operates 24/7, the real issue is data synchronisation between UK and French customs systems. These exchanges can fail – particularly during off-peak hours – causing delays.
A T1 declaration in DeltaT avoids this risk entirely. All communication stays within the French system, meaning no cross-border data transmission is needed. That makes the process more stable, predictable, and reliable.
💼 We Offer Both UK and French T1 Transit Declarations – No Extra Fees
At Simple Duty LTD, we offer our clients the option to submit T1 transit declarations via the UK or France – with no additional fees or conditions. You choose what works best for your route and schedule.
🔁 Also read:
Whether you need a declaration in NCTS (UK) or DeltaT (FR), our experts are ready to assist 24/7 with full support for ELO, ENS, and Smart Border procedures.
✅ Why Choose a T1 Transit Declaration in France?
- 🚫 No need to stop at Ashford IBF
- 🕒 MRN is issued early – ELO and ENS can be prepared in advance
- ⚙️ Fewer technical failures – all handled within the French system
- 📋 More time and control over documentation
- 💰 Zero extra charges – fully included in our customs service
