ACI Europe urges EU to reform airport security equipment certification as 100ml liquids rule eases

ACI EUROPE has welcomed the European Union’s decision to lift the 100ml restriction on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in cabin bags for flights departing from EU airports equipped with advanced screening technology. The move permits passengers to carry up to 2 litres of LAGs and comes after the technology was successfully recertified by the EU, having previously faced performance concerns.

This lifting of restrictions is expected to improve both passenger convenience and airport operational efficiency. Airports using the new technology can now process passengers more quickly at security checkpoints. The equipment also delivers enhanced automated detection capabilities, allowing security staff to focus on more complex tasks.

However, ACI EUROPE has strongly criticised the EU’s testing and certification process for aviation security equipment, highlighting structural flaws and calling for an urgent reform. The organisation stressed that while the recertification of new equipment is a welcome development, it was long overdue. The UK completed its recertification back in April, three months ahead of the EU.

ACI EUROPE noted that other manufacturers have also developed advanced screening technology, yet there is no clear timeline for their certification by the EU. As a result, airports that have invested in this newer equipment are still required to enforce the outdated 100ml rule, limiting their ability to enhance passenger experience and security performance.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, warned, “We now live in a very different world in which the convergence of geopolitics, cyber and physical security threats is plain to see. In that context, it is very clear that our decades old testing and certification regime for aviation security equipment is no longer fit for purpose. We just can’t keep relying on a system essentially based on a good will cooperation between EU states, where even aligned testing methodologies are not guaranteed, and validating test results takes forever. We absolutely need to be able to benefit from innovation in security technologies much faster. Beyond operational efficiencies, this is primarily and crucially about better protecting European citizens — and ultimately about the EU’s own strategic autonomy agenda.”

For the past two years, ACI EUROPE has called for a fully integrated EU testing and certification system aligned with the UK and US. The group’s proposals, submitted to the EU Aviation Security Committee last December and reiterated in spring, emphasise that only the European Commission can drive this change by assuming direct responsibility for the system.

Jankovec concluded, “This is both frustrating and worrying, as we are getting nowhere for now with our proposals. What we are asking for is nothing else than EU leadership and action on a highly sensitive issue, which should be a clear priority for the European Commission and Member States. Once again, it is about better securing our skies and protecting our societies.”

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