EU Aviation Security Campaign backs ETRC’s ‘unique identifier’ proposal

Tina Milton

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The initiative will allow Sealed Tamper Evident Bags from approved third countries and bags carried by intra-EU transfer passengers to be easily identified

The EU Aviation Security Committee has given its backing to the European Travel Retail Council (ETRC)’s proposed ‘unique identifier’ to recognise liquid goods purchased by transfer passengers at approved non-EU airports. Airports Council International Europe and the International Airport Transport Association also gave their full support to the initiative.

ETRC president Frank O’Connell described this as a “significant breakthrough” for the travel-retail industry. He said: “With the backing of both the industry and the EU Aviation Security Committee we can now take the last steps to ensuring that transfer passengers from approved third countries can travel freely with their duty-free liquids. I would therefore reiterate our call to the industry to work with their national governments across the world to secure recognition from the EU.”

The design of the unique identifier was commended for its simplicity and ease of use. It does not require any new technology at security screening points. Over the coming weeks, the ETRC will be working with its partners to add the finishing touches to the ‘unique identifier’ and is confident that the final design will be ready for use by the end of 2007.