Updated 7 July 2026 · 9 min read
A CCF request: key facts
cost of filing the request itself
typical time to a decision on the merits
a common ground for deletion
What the CCF is
The CCF is INTERPOL's independent Commission for the Control of Files. It reviews requests for access to, correction and deletion of personal data in the organisation's systems.
How to file a request
The request is filed in writing, with identity verification and reasoning. The key is to correctly cite the breached INTERPOL rules and support the position with evidence.
Filing itself is free; costs relate to preparing a well-founded legal position.
Timelines and chances
Preliminary responses take a few months; a final decision on the merits often takes 9–12 months or longer. The quality of the initial position strongly affects the outcome.
Deleting data via the CCF: what actually gets removed
Via the CCF one can obtain deletion of a Red Notice, a diffusion or any other record about a person in INTERPOL's information system. The Commission grants the request when the data is processed in breach of the organisation's rules: a political dimension (Article 3), human-rights violations (Article 2), inaccurate or outdated data, or a disproportionate request.
Besides full deletion, interim measures exist: correction of the data and blocking — a temporary restriction of countries' access to the record while the case is reviewed. It makes sense to request blocking in the main submission: it lowers the detention risk while the Commission examines the merits.
Help with a CCF request and costs
Filing with the CCF is free — the Commission charges no fees. The costs relate to legal work: analysing the case and the requesting country's materials, gathering evidence (documents, publications, expert opinions), building the position under INTERPOL's Constitution and data-processing rules, and answering the country's arguments during review.
The scope depends on the situation: some need only an access request, others a full challenge with human-rights arguments across several jurisdictions. See the Pricing page for our engagement formats; the initial assessment is free and confidential.
Frequently asked questions
Does a CCF decision affect the national case?
Not directly: the CCF decides on INTERPOL data, not the national case.
Can a request be re-filed?
Yes, when new circumstances or evidence arise.
How long does a CCF decision take?
Expect 9–12 months for a decision on the merits; preliminary responses arrive earlier. The exact timing depends on the Commission's workload and the completeness of the request.
How much does deletion from INTERPOL's database cost?
There is no fee — filing with the CCF is free. What costs money is the legal work on the position, which depends on the case's complexity. A promise to 'delete by a set date for a fixed sum' is a red flag.