EU transport commissioner makes LAGs issue a priority

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The commissioner hopes to prevent transfer passengers from the US and Canada to have liquids purchases confiscated from September

EU Commissioner for Transport Antonio Tajani has committed to preventing that transfer passengers arriving in the European Union from the US and Canada have their liquid, aerosol and gel (LAG) purchases confiscated when getting connecting flight from September/October 2008 at a meeting with European Travel Retail Council (ETRC) president Frank O’Connell. According to the ETRC, the Commissioner agreed to prioritise concluding an agreement with the two North American countries on the issue as soon as possible. 

The meeting was part of the ETRC drive to grow the list of countries mutually recognised by the EU for their LAGs security standards under regulation 915/2007. O’Connell said: “The ETRC is delighted with the proactive and positive approach being taken by Commissioner Tajani. The transfer passenger issue remains a serious problem and causes considerable frustration for passengers and loss of revenue for airport retailers.

“The only practical solution to this problem is the full implementation of regulation 915/2007 through the conclusion of extensive recognition agreements with third countries. To date no alternative technological solution  to this problem has been developed and while the ETRC hopes that this situation may change, we have to operate on the basis of current realities,” he added.

The EU aviation security regulatory committee will also vote today on a proposal to add Croatia to the list of EU-approved third countries under regulation 915/2007.