THE HAGUE–On request of the National Ombudsman, the Dutch Customs has promised to better inform passengers arriving at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport from the Dutch Caribbean about the changed procedure in the 100-per-cent control, which now includes luggage inspection in absence of the traveller.
For about a year, the Customs Department checks and sometimes opens suitcases in the baggage basement at Schiphol Airport, in the absence of passengers, before the suitcase is transported upstairs to the conveyor belt in the arrival hall. If a suitcase is opened, the Customs officer places a note inside it to notify the passenger that his or her luggage has been opened and the contents checked.
In the past, the suitcases were scanned and, if necessary, opened in the presence of the passenger after the traveller had taken his or her luggage from the conveyor belt in the arrival hall. However, this often resulted in long lines for the scanning machine and caused much frustration among the passengers already tired from the night flights from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Suriname and Venezuela. The latter two countries also resort under the 100 per cent control established at Schiphol years ago to combat the smuggling of illicit drugs.
A Dutch citizen who returned from vacation in Curaçao discovered at home that his suitcase had been searched when he found the Customs officer’s note. In his opinion, his right to privacy had been violated. He filed a complaint at the National Ombudsman.
The Customs Department did not see any problem, as the law states that authorities can open suitcases for control purposes. The fact that this takes place in the baggage basement is not against the law, Customs contended.
After an investigation, the Ombudsman found that no regulations had been violated and that Customs has a right to open suitcases for security reasons and to check for contraband. The Ombudsman got in touch with the Customs Department to get an explanation.
The Ombudsman advised the Customs Department to communicate the new procedure of checking luggage to passengers resorting under the 100 per control in a more transparent manner. “We think it is appropriate that travellers know up front what can happen during an inspection. That is why we have asked Customs to better inform passengers.”
In the meantime, the Customs Department has indicated on its website and the app “Customs travel” that luggage can be checked in the passenger’s absence. The information will also be placed on the Customs signage at the gates where the 100 per cent control flights arrive, and in the arrival hall.
“We are happy with this. Controls are a given, but unpleasant surprises in suitcases shouldn’t be,” stated the Ombudsman.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80411-customs-asked-to-better-inform-passengers-about-100-control
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