Brussels, 31/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 31 July, the European Commission adopted an update of the 2003 regulation on implementing joint air safety rules. The aim is to allow travellers from third countries, who have to transfer at an EU airport, exemptions to the ban on carrying a certain volume of liquids (perfumes, drinks, solvents, cordials) on board aeroplanes.
Under the new regulation, travellers from third countries will be able to carry liquids on board planes on condition that security standards at their airport of departure are equivalent to those in force in the EU. Exemptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis, following assessment by the Commission and EU member states' experts of the security rules obtaining in the airports of the EU's partner countries, such as the United States or Singapore. The first series of exemptions could be granted as early as this autumn.
Adopted in October 2006, after the foiled terrorist attack in London, the regulation sets the maximum volume of liquids that travellers can take with them onto the aeroplane (see EUROPE 9280). Under these rules, travellers from third countries, who have to transfer in a European airport are required, at security checks, to get rid of any drinks, perfumes and other liquids, above the permitted volume, bought in duty-free shops in their airport of departure. The Commission proposal to relax the legislation comes after complaints from passengers. (aby)