Interpol Green Notice
An INTERPOL Green Notice warns police in other countries about a person’s criminal activities where that person is considered a possible threat to public safety. It is not a request for arrest, but it can lead to closer checks when you travel. We advise on whether a Green Notice was published in line with INTERPOL’s rules and help you challenge it before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF).
INTERPOL publishes several types of colour-coded notices to share crime-related information between its member countries. The Green Notice is one of them.
What is an Interpol Green Notice?
INTERPOL uses the Green Notice “to provide warning about a person’s criminal activities, where the person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety”. Under Article 89 of INTERPOL’s Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD), a Green Notice may be published only if: the person is considered a possible threat to public safety; this conclusion comes from an assessment by a national law-enforcement authority or an international entity; the assessment is based on the person’s previous criminal conviction(s) or other reasonable grounds; and enough data about the threat are provided for the warning to be relevant. A Green Notice is not an arrest warrant or a request for extradition.
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What is the purpose of Interpol Green Notices?
The primary purpose of Interpol Green Notices is to increase awareness and readiness of law enforcement agencies to respond to potential threats. This, in turn, assists law enforcement structures of other Interpol member countries in the exchange of information about individuals who have committed criminal offenses. Early notification can prevent the emergence of crimes and suppress criminal activities in other countries by promoting international cooperation.
Countries that receive a Green Notice decide what measures to take under their own national law (RPD Article 89).
Who receives or has access to the Interpol Green Notice?
Access to Interpol’s Green Notices is held by the National Central Bureaus (NCB) in each of the 196 countries. This creates an international network for the exchange of information and coordination of actions between Interpol and law enforcement agencies at the national level in each member country.
National authorities may consult notices according to the access granted by their NCB, and international entities only where their agreement with INTERPOL provides for it (RPD Article 79). Most INTERPOL notices are for police use only, so you usually cannot check online whether a Green Notice exists. To find out what data INTERPOL holds about you, you can submit an access request to the CCF.
How can a Green Notice be removed?
The official route is a request to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF), the independent body that decides on requests for access to, correction of and deletion of data processed in INTERPOL’s Information System. The main steps are:
- Access request: ask the CCF what data INTERPOL holds about you. The CCF decides on access requests within four months of the request being declared admissible.
- Deletion or correction request: explain why the notice does not meet the conditions of Article 89 of the RPD or otherwise breaches INTERPOL’s rules, for example Article 3 of the Constitution. The statutory time limit is nine months from admissibility; in practice the whole process from filing usually takes longer.
- Legal support: a lawyer can gather evidence, prepare the arguments and deal with the national authorities in parallel.
Requests to the CCF are free of charge and, since 26 March 2026, are submitted through its online portal.
Legal Issues in the Process of Challenging an Interpol Green Notice
When challenging an Interpol Green Notice, it is necessary to focus on the following:
- Legitimacy and justification of the notice: It is necessary to prove that the notice was issued unlawfully or is based on erroneous data.
- Protection of human rights: The Interpol Green Notice should not violate fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in international treaties and conventions.
- Confidentiality and data protection: It is important to ensure that the personal information contained in the notice is used strictly in accordance with international data protection standards.
- International jurisdiction and cooperation: Challenging an Interpol Green Notice may require interaction with multiple jurisdictions and organizations, which complicates the process and requires coordination between various legal and law enforcement bodies.
Need Legal Advice?
If you are facing an Interpol Green Notice, it is crucial to seek qualified legal support. Our Interpol Red Notice lawyers can consult you and offer an appropriate defense strategy. Legal support includes case analysis, preparation of evidence, and representation of the client’s interests before the CCF. Do not delay resolving the problem — timely legal assistance will help minimize risks and protect your rights.
