ATW Daily News

EU approves new standards for liquids, carry-ons

Friday September 29, 2006

The EU Regulatory Committee on Aviation Security agreed on a range of new security measures to be introduced at all airports of the 25 member states.

The measures will limit the individual quantities of liquids allowed to be carried by passengers to 100 ml. per container, require that the number of containers fit in one transparent resealable plastic bag of a maximum size of 1 liter and state that passengers must present the plastic bag at security checkpoints.

EC Commissioner for Transport Jacques Barrot committed to submitting promptly "a proposal to the College [of Commissioners] to formally incorporate these rules into Community law. I expect this to be adopted in the course of the next week." The new rules should take effect in late November.

The committee also agreed to limit the size of carry-on luggage from EU airports to a maximum of 56 cm. by 45 cm. by 25 cm. (approximately 22 in. by 18 in. by 10 in.) with the possibility of some exemptions, such as for musical instruments. The standard roll-on bag is 22 in. by 14 in. by 9 in.

It further decided to make obligatory certain procedures that already are mandatory at US airports, such as putting all jackets and coats through x-ray machines and requiring that laptop computers be put through separately. The measures include no changes to the rules on liquids in checked bags. Equally, liquids, gels and pastes purchased from retail outlets after security are not affected by any new security measure.

AEA and Airports Council International Europe "applauded" the EU moves to harmonize aviation security measures at a more "passenger-friendly" level, yet warned that their implementation will have significant consequences from both cost and operational perspectives for both airports and airlines.

by Cathy Buyck

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