Customs] The search of a vehicle without the presence of its occupant is void if this irregularity has harmed the interests of the person concerned.
To understand it > Letter from the criminal chamber n°33
[Douanes] La fouille d’un véhicule sans la présence de son occupant est nulle si cette irrégularité a porté atteinte aux intérêts de la personne concernée.
Pour le comprendre > Lettre de la chambre criminelle n°33
courdecassation.fr/publications/l
The law provides that customs officers may search vehicles parked on public roads. However, they must do so in the presence of the occupant of the vehicle (Letter No. 17, p.7)
Is the search null and void if this formality has not been complied with?
Yes, but only if the irregularity has harmed the interests of the person concerned. That is not the case where the applicant has not disputed the presence of the objects discovered in its vehicle.