1. What does a Request for a Chamber Decision contain?
A valid decision is a reasoned determination that summarises the proceedings, records the parties’ submissions and the facts, applies INTERPOL’s rules, analyses the legal arguments, and sets out the operative part that binds the Organisation. These are not recommendations. They are enforceable determinations carrying constitutional force within INTERPOL.
2. The Statutory Timetable: Who must do What, and When?
Once the Chamber decides:
a) Transmission to the General Secretariat: the written decision must reach the General Secretariat within one month of the decision date [Art 38(1), CCF Statute; R.19(2) CCF Statute].
b) Implementation by the General Secretariat: The General Secretariat must implement within one month of receipt (ibid).
c) If clarifications are needed: implementation must still occur within one month of receiving those clarifications [Art. 41)2, CCF Statute].
3. Are there any Remedies Beyond Deletion?
When the Chamber orders deletion, the remedies extend beyond removing data from INTERPOL’s systems. Under Article 36(2) of the Statute, it may order any corrective measure. Most notably, the General Secretariat issues an official certificate confirming that, as of a given date, the individual is not subject to any INTERPOL Notice or diffusion. Addressed “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN” and stamped by the Office of Legal Affairs, this certificate carries practical weight.
Because some states cache INTERPOL data locally and fail to update their systems promptly, travellers may still be detained on outdated alerts. In such cases, the certificate provides immediate proof that international alerts have been removed. It can be presented to border authorities, consulates, airlines, and banks conducting sanctions or PEP screening, preventing cascading false positives.
A common question is whether the certificate guarantees entry into every country. The short answer is “No”. Border admission is always a sovereign prerogative, up to each jurisdiction, but the certificate is persuasive evidence that there is no INTERPOL basis for detention or refusal for entry in the country.
4. Is a Favourable Decision Automatically Applied?
Even after a favourable decision, compliance within INTERPOL cannot be assumed. If the General Secretariat fails to implement, the matter may be escalated to the Executive Committee. At this stage, the issue is not the merits of the applicant’s case but institutional compliance. Requests Chamber findings are constitutionally final and binding, and any refusal to act would breach Article 26(a) of the INTERPOL Constitution, which requires the General Secretariat to apply decisions of the General Assembly.
Summing up: a CCF’s decision is the last word inside INTERPOL. It carries binding force, triggers strict deadlines, and can produce remedies beyond deletion, including the all-important certificate. But clients should also be aware: success before the Chamber is only the beginning. The key to fully restoring mobility and reputation lies in follow-through, strategic use of the certificate, and, where necessary, holding the Organisation itself to account.
