SIS II — Schengen Information System

Basics

The Schengen Information System II (SIS II) is the central European wanted-persons database of the EU Schengen states. Its legal basis is the SIS II Regulation (EU) 2018/1862. In extradition law, the alerts most relevant are those under Article 26 (for arrest with a view to surrender on the basis of an EAW) and Article 24 (for arrest with a view to extradition to third countries).

Effect of a SIS alert

A SIS alert for arrest obliges all Schengen member states to arrest the person concerned when located and to notify the issuing state. It triggers the provisional extradition detention procedure. The alert is not itself an extradition request, but in certain cases it replaces one (EAW: Section 83a(2) IRG).

SIS vs. Interpol Red Notice

SIS alerts take effect only within the Schengen area; Red Notices worldwide. Within the Schengen area, the SIS alert takes precedence. The two systems can be used in parallel.

Deletion and legal remedies

Alerts can be challenged with the issuing state and with the national SIRENE bureau. In Germany, the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection is responsible. Anyone subject to an incorrect alert has a right to deletion.

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