CCF Application Process, Required Documents and Petition Samples

An application to the CCF (Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files) has two main purposes:

Request for access:
To find out whether there is any data concerning you in INTERPOL’s system and, if so, to learn the content and scope of that data.

Request for correction or deletion:
To request the correction or complete deletion of the record on the grounds that the data is political in nature, disproportionate, or processed unlawfully.

How Is an Application Submitted?

A CCF application is submitted using the “Request Form for Access to, Correction or Deletion of Data” published by INTERPOL.

The application may be submitted in English, French, Spanish or Arabic.

A clear copy of a passport or identity document is required for identity verification.

If the application is submitted through a lawyer, a power of attorney showing that the lawyer represents the person concerned must be attached.

The petition should present the following in a clear, systematic and understandable structure:

the chronological sequence of events;

the legal characterisation of the proceedings against you;

arguments based on the prohibition of political offences under Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution;

arguments developed within the framework of the principles of necessity and proportionality.

Which Documents Are Required?

Depending on your specific situation, the following types of documents may be added to your evidence file:

arrest warrants or detention orders issued against you;

court decisions, decisions of non-prosecution, or acquittal judgments;

official records and documents showing your international protection or asylum status;

reports and assessments published by institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union and the Council of Europe addressing issues such as:

political nature;

violations of the right to a fair trial;

risk of torture and ill-treatment;

other official correspondence, expert opinions and documents showing the individual human rights risks you face.

These documents are important both for demonstrating the political or unlawful nature of the record and for substantiating the request for deletion or correction of the data.

How Is a CCF Application Examined?

After receiving the application, the CCF first conducts an admissibility review.

At this stage, it examines issues such as:

whether the correct application form has been used;

whether identity verification has been completed;

whether a previous decision has already been issued on the same matter.

If the application is found admissible, the CCF may:

request information and explanations from the authorities of the country that is the source of the data, where necessary;

examine the file in light of INTERPOL rules, the prohibition of political nature, and data protection principles.

At the final stage, the CCF may issue decisions such as:

access only, meaning disclosure of the content of the data to you;

correction of the data;

complete or partial deletion of the data;

or rejection of the request.

What Happens After INTERPOL Records Are Deleted?

It should be emphasised that the deletion of INTERPOL records does not automatically mean that:

national criminal investigations against you;

ongoing judicial proceedings;

or previously issued court decisions

are also removed or annulled.

Therefore, even if the CCF process results in a positive outcome:

the necessary updates must be made in national judicial and administrative systems;

separate written applications must be submitted to the relevant authorities for the correction or removal of records;

and the process must be followed up carefully.