Personal data processing in camera surveillance

Swedish Customs uses camera surveillance at several points in the country. This is not only for our control operations, but also to prevent, impede and investigate crimes.

Personal data processing in fixed camera surveillance

Our camera surveillance systems have automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). This means that the registration numbers of passing cars are read and then compared against Swedish Customs’ database. If there is a match against this database, the customs officer at the point in question is informed. No camera surveillance material or other details are saved.

The purpose of camera surveillance

With both fixed and mobile solutions, Swedish Customs uses camera surveillance at several points in the country. The purposes of camera surveillance are not only to carry out control operations, but also to prevent, impede and detect crimes. These crimes are illegal importation and exportation of goods into and from Sweden.

Legal grounds

Swedish Customs has various legal grounds for camera surveillance. These are: § 8 (points 1 and 3 of paragraph 2) and § 14 a of Sweden’s Camera Surveillance Act (2018:1200); and, points 1 and 2 of § 1 of chap. 2 of the act (2018:1694) on Swedish Customs’ processing of personal data in the area of the Criminal Data Act.

Information

At the points where Swedish Customs uses camera surveillance, clear signage provides the necessary information (as per § 15 of the Camera Surveillance Act).

Personal data processing in the testing of camera systems

So that Swedish Customs can use cameras to carry out its control operations and prevent, impede and investigate crimes, there is a certain amount of testing.

Camera testing may take place in Luleå (European highway E4, road 97 and Porsövägen). Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) is a feature of this testing. Although the registration numbers of passing cars are read, there is no comparing of registration numbers against databases or registers. No materials or other details of completed tests are saved.

Purpose of camera system testing

Swedish Customs tests camera systems to see how they work in different conditions. This is necessary so that Swedish Customs can use camera surveillance to carry out control operations and prevent, impede and investigate crimes.

Legal grounds

Swedish Customs has legal grounds for personal data processing under article 6.1 e of the General Data Protection Regulation.

Information

At the points where Swedish Customs carries out camera system testing, clear signage provides the necessary information.

More information

The Camera Surveillance Act (2018:1200) (in swedish)

The act (2018:1694) on Swedish Customs’ processing of personal data in the area of the Criminal Data Act (in swedish)

Processing of personal data