Europe eases duty-free transfer restrictions

Gavin Lipsith

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The European Travel Retail Council and Airports Council International hail a breakthrough in the liquids security issue

European Travel Retail Council president Frank O’Connell welcomed the decision, which comes after months of hard work by the association, its members and lobbyists. He said: “I would like to thank vice-president Barrot and his team for their will and determination in addressing a problem that has badly affected the global duty-free market. The European Commission made solving the ‘transfer passenger’ problem a priority and the speedy approval of the regulation is testimony to this.”

However, O’Connell warned that the problems affecting passengers, airport retailers and suppliers around the world could only be addressed by the immediate and broad implementation of the new regulation. “The priority is implementation,” he said. “The Commission and key third countries must move as quickly as possible to begin the recognition process.”

Airports Council International (ACI) Europe also welcomed the decision, saying that the security restrictions in place since last November had led to confiscations of about two tonnes of liquids a day at most European hub airports. ACI Europe director-general Olivier Jankovec said: “This regulation will progressively reduce the amount of liquids confiscated for the benefit of passengers and airports throughout Europe, and we look forward to a fast implementation. This is an additional step towards international harmonisation of aviation security which needs to be further pursued as a matter of priority.”