Welcome to eurotunnel
Site in EnglishSite en français

Freight > Safety & security > Border controls

Safety & security

Safety & security

Border controls

French border controls

Customs carry out random security checks, to search for explosives or drugs, by x-ray or barringer detector. Vehicles may be sent to the Freight Inspection Facility (Euroscan) for screening. This check only lasts a few minutes and gives detailed information on the nature of the goods carried.

An Ionscan check may also be carried out to detect particles.

Customs also carry out visual checks and have authorisation to unload vehicles and use patrol dogs if required.

Security controls, including vehicle checks, are carried out before boarding the shuttle. These checks are done either manually or using the 'Freight Inspection Facility' X-ray detection system. This does not in any way affect goods carrried.

British border controls

HM Immigration Services' main role is to detect stowaways and control passports. A heartbeat detector may be used to check for stowaways. This check lasts approximately 3 minutes and is very reliable. Trained dogs may also be present during searches if required.

Customs may search for tobacco, alcohol, drugs or other illegal substances by x-ray scanner and have authorisation to unload vehicles if required.

Due to the safety procedures carried out by Eurotunnel and French and UK authorities it has been possible to greatly reduce the number of illegal immigrants gaining entry to the UK via the Channel Tunnel. With these procedures, and your co-operation, we will continue to protect both you and our services from disruption.

The UK government may impose fines of £2000 on hauliers whose vehicles are found to contain a stowaway attempting to enter the UK illegally. Drivers who have taken the necessary measures to secure and check their vehicles (as outlined in the Prevention of Clandestine Entry Code of Practice) will have statutory defence to liability and penalties may be reduced or withdrawn.

Full details can be obtained on the Home Office website
 

Useful info

Why not download the following leaflets to ensure that your drivers are aware of our safety procedures

Children non-acceptance leaflet [pdf Acrobat Reader icon ]

Eurotunnel Freight safety information leaflet [pdf Acrobat Reader icon ]
© 2008 Eurotunnel. All rights reserved.