INTERNATIONAL. The International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) has agreed to a request by Duty Free World Council (DFWC) to issue an Electronic Bulletin reminding Member States and industry partners that current measures for security tamper-evident bags (STEBs) usage still apply until further notice.
DFWC welcomed the introduction of new security technologies in many airports which enable the accurate screening of liquids, thereby strengthening aviation security and enhancing the passenger experience.
However, the organisation pointed out, the global adoption of new scanner technology is set to take many years and airports will transition gradually.
Many airports which have installed the new scanners are communicating to travellers regarding the amounts of LAGs (liquid, aerosols and gels) they can take through security in their carry-on baggage.
The communications differ greatly and risk creating a great deal of confusion, DFWC pointed out. This frequently leads to the unnecessary confiscation of goods due to differing technologies which may in particular affect transferring passengers.
The Council sought a communication from ICAO to its Member States to underline the current regulation on STEB usage still applies.
DFWC President Sarah Branquinho commented, “Alongside the all-important enhanced security benefits that new-generation security scanners bring, they will also greatly facilitate a smoother passenger journey through airports reducing traveller stress, which we know is a barrier to purchase.
“The roll-out of the new technologies is warmly welcomed. We are however concerned that during the period when the deployment of new and older technologies overlap that there is a risk of confusion among travellers on what amounts of LAGs they take through airport security checkpoints, particularly for transfer passengers.
“A clear communication from ICAO to its Member States and industry partners that current regulations on STEB usage still apply will help reduce confusion and avoid unnecessary confiscations, which would have a very detrimental and undesirable effect on our industry.
“The DFWC warmly welcomes ICAO’s positive response to our request to them on this matter and thanks ICAO for their cooperation”. ✈
