Publication
European Union (Passenger Name Record Data) Regulations 2018
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The European Union (Passenger Name Record Data) Regulations 2018, which came into operation on 25 May 2018, require airlines to provide advance passenger name record (PNR) information to the authorities in respect of non-EU flights entering or leaving the State. The legislation gives legal effect to EU Directive 2016/681, which sets down rules on the use of PNR data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime.
The legislation provides for the establishment of a Passenger Information Unit (PIU) which is responsible for the collection, processing and transfer of PNR data for use by competent authorities in the State, other Member States and Europol. The PIU will act as the main repository and conduit for PNR data provided by air carriers. Airlines are required to routinely provide specified PNR data in respect of non-EU flights 24 to 48 hours before scheduled departure time and immediately after flight closure. Air carriers may also be required to provide PNR data at other times, on a case-by-case basis, where access to that data is required in order to respond to a specific and actual threat related to terrorist offences or serious crime. Air carriers who fail to comply with the requirements of the legislation face incurring financial penalties.