24
Jul
2007
Custom Information System - OLAF
Opinion of 24 July 2007 on a notification for prior checking on the Custom Information System (Case 2007-177)
The CIS is a database containing personal information managed by OLAF which is accessible by each Member State and by OLAF. It is used to assist national authorities in preventing, investigating and prosecuting operations which are in breach of customs or agricultural provisions.
In his Opinion the EDPS has recommended various actions in order to ensure that the data processing fully complies with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001. In particular, among others, the EDPS has recommended that the data controller issues guidelines addressed to OLAF agents with access to CIS describing the application of the quality principle in CIS. He has also recommended that OLAF agents use the possibility for extending the retention of the information only when there is a real necessity to keep the data. As far as the obligation to inform individuals is concerned, the EDPS has asked OLAF to ensure that individuals are personally informed of their data being uploaded in CIS when such data have been uploaded by OLAF. When data concerning an individual in a Member State is uploaded by OLAF, and used in an OLAF investigation/case or a mutual assistance exchange, the data subject may be informed in the context of the case or the mutual assistance exchange.