The tobacco manufacturer has the right to inspect the notified
seizure and take samples, and in doing so they may take written
notes regarding the seizure.
The manufacturer is not permitted to make notes that refer
to anything else they may see or hear whilst in the Queen’s
Warehouse, or to make photographic records.
We do not stipulate the size of sample that a tobacco
manufacturer may take. As long as it seems reasonable and
proportionate given the size and make up of the seizure (e.g. the
extent to which it is a mixed seizure and the extent to which QW
staff have separated it) and it does not impact onerously on
warehouse operations any reasonable request should be granted.
Where the tobacco manufacturer asks for some other form of
record, e.g. to take away packaging from the seizure; to take away
an emptied master case; or to make an audio record describing what
they are looking at this should be given consideration. If the
request does not pose a risk to the security of the warehouse, the
integrity of the seizure or jeopardise ongoing intelligence or
legal action, it should be granted.
Officers may check and, if necessary, copy, the records that
the tobacco manufacturer takes. Any anomaly should be reported to
line management immediately.
A full record must be taken of the quantity, brand and batch
number of any sample drawn by the tobacco manufacturer, with the
appropriate removal being entered on DCIS/CENTAUR for continuity
and stock control purposes.
