SIS was initially set up pursuant to the provisions of Title IV of the Convention of 19 June 1990 implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders (the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement).
Cuireadh SIS ar bun den chéad uair de bhun fhorálacha Theideal IV de Choinbhinsiún an 19 Meitheamh 1990 chun Comhaontú Schengen an 14 Meitheamh 1985 idir rialtais Stáit Aontas Eacnamaíoch Benelux, Phoblacht Chónaidhme na Gearmáine agus Phoblacht na Fraince maidir le seiceálacha ag a gcomhtheorainneacha a dhíothú de réir a chéile (an Coinbhinsiún lena gcuirtear Comhaontú Schengen chun feidhme) a chur chun feidhme.