Article 15
1. The Customs Information System shall contain data in accordance with this Chapter, in addition to data contained in accordance with Article 3, in a special database (hereinafter referred to as the customs files identification database). Without prejudice to the provisions of this Chapter and of Chapters VII and VIII, all the provisions of this Decision shall also apply to the customs files identification database. However, the exception in Article 21(2) shall not apply. 2. The aim of the customs files identification database shall be to enable the national authorities responsible for carrying out customs investigations designated pursuant to Article 7, when opening a file on or investigating one or more persons or businesses, and for Europol and Eurojust, to identify competent authorities of other Member States which are investigating or have investigated those persons or businesses, in order, through information on the existence of investigation files, to achieve the aim referred to in Article 1(2). 3. For the purposes of the customs files identification database, each Member State shall send the other Member States, Europol, Eurojust and the Committee referred to in Article 27 a list of serious contraventions of its national laws. This list shall comprise only contraventions that are punishable: (a) by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a maximum period of not less than 12 months; or (b) by a fine of at least EUR 15 000. 4. If the Member State retrieving data from the customs files identification database requires further information on the stored investigation file on a person or a business, it shall request the assistance of the supplying Member State on the basis of the instruments in force relating to mutual assistance.