Brussels, 03/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - The EU is beginning tests in view to soon lifting restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) of more than 100ml on board aeroplanes. Since 31 January, LAGs purchased in duty-free areas in non-EU airports or on board non-European airlines have no longer been confiscated on entry to the EU and are scanned if the purchase is appropriately packaged in a sealed security bag. This first stage only affects a very small number of European travellers but will, however, help assess the effectiveness of the new scanners in European airports in detecting explosive liquids. If this test phase proves conclusive, other liquids could then gradually included in the screening and total removal of restrictions could take place by 2016. Airports have already invested massively in technology - up to €150 million, according to the Secretary General of the Airports Council International Europe (ACI-Europe), Olivier Jankovec. He said that the airports were ready and that this investment would help them to return to “the good old days, before 2006” when there were no restrictions on LAGs. He pointed out, however, that, in order to achieve this goal, further progress was needed in screening technology in terms of security, operational feasibility and passenger facilitation. European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas said on twitter that he appreciated the work and investment of European airports. (MD/transl.fl)