Baggage checks - Code of Practice
Published 25 October 2017
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Why bags are checked
Officers carry out random checks on travellers and their baggage to stop banned and restricted items coming into the UK, such as:
- illegal drugs
- indecent or obscene material
- offensive weapons
They also check that the right amount of duty or tax is charged on items which exceed the personal allowance guidelines.
Your responsibilities
You’re responsible for any items you carry, so don’t carry anything for anyone else.
If you’re stopped, you’ll need to answer questions about your baggage and its contents and you may have to take your baggage to be checked.
If you’ve any questions speak to an officer at the red channel or on the red-point phone.
If your bag is checked
In most cases your bag will be checked in front of you.
If your bag is checked you must account for all of your belongings before leaving the baggage examination area.
Officers may check baggage:
- with x-ray scanners
- using detector dogs
- by hand
Unaccompanied baggage
Officers have the authority to check baggage in the absence of the owner, but will only use this power where it is necessary to do so.
Two officers will check the contents of unaccompanied baggage:
- the search officer
- a witness
An officer will only check baggage alone in exceptional circumstances, where there’s an immediate need.
Records that are kept
An officer will only keep a record of a baggage check when they open the bag and examine its contents.
They won’t normally keep a record if the bag is not opened, for example:
- when x-raying baggage
- directing a detector dog
- examining the outside of a bag
When checking the contents of unaccompanied baggage:
- the manager authorising the check will also keep a record
- the officer will make a record of any damage prior to the check, for example because of airline handling
- in the unlikely event that an officer causes damage to your baggage or its contents, the details will be recorded and reported to you and a senior officer
Compensation
We’ll investigate any claim of damage and may offer compensation for damage caused by officers.
How to complain
If you’re unhappy with the service you receive you can ask to speak to the duty manager at your arrival port or airport.
Email complaints@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or write to:
UKBF Customer Complaints
Long Corridor
11th Floor
Lunar House
Croydon
CR9 2BY