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New customs computer

01 January 1993

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A new EC-wide computer system, Customs Information System (CIS) was launched in October. The UK headquarters is at Heathrow Airport. The system, which has been funded by the European Commission, will link EC customs officials through 300 terminals - with 25 in the UK. The purpose is to exchange "intelligence" and "information" on drugs and fraud. The CIS is based on the existing encrypted message system called SCENT (System Customs Enforcement Network). The preparatory work was undertaken by the Mutual Assistance Group 1992 (MAG 1992) another of the inter- governmental bodies meeting outside the formal structures of the EC (though, in this case, the European Commission has participated).

The new, fast, system will incorporate standard messages such as "stop and search" and will hold information in five main categories: persons, businesses, method of transport, commodities and trends. In each category there is space for "intelligence" to be added. Phase II of the system will bring the addition of a dedicated CIS database in October 1993 holding "intelligence" as well as "details of individual cases".

The UK Customs and Excise office recognises that the storage of personal data means that Phase II will need a legal basis with data protection provisions. The European Commission's draft directive on data protection is unlikely to be agreed before the end of 1993 and further legislation would be needed to change UK law. The effect on entry to the UK will be that instead of trying to watch every passenger or lorry suspects will be targeted if they fit the "profile" of a likely smuggler according to intelligence reports. Special teams of customs officers have been formed into FASTS (Flexible Anti-Smuggling Teams) to search and if necessary to follow suspect individuals and vehicles.

HM Customs & Excise press release 29.10.92; 83rd report of HM Customs & Excise for year ended 31.3.92.; Commons Hansard, written answer 26.2.92; Times 29.12.92.<

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