Singapore receives EU LAGs recognition

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The country is the first to receive recognised status according to European Commission regulations

Singapore has become the first country to have its security measures for liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) recognised as compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards by the European Union. This means that transfer passengers arriving from Singapore Changi airport will no longer have to forfeit their duty-free liquid purchases at EU airport security checkpoints.

European Travel Retail Council president Frank O’Connell said: “I am delighted with today’s announcement. Thanks to prompt action by the Singaporean government, we have now taken the final step to ensuring that transfer passengers from Singapore can travel freely with their duty-free liquids. It is a great step forward for all parties, paving the way for many more non-EU countries to apply for recognition by the European Commission.”

Airports Council International (ACI) Europe director general Olivier Jankovec said: “The decision will finally make it possible for airports across the EU to start reducing the amount of liquids surrendered by transfer passengers at security checkpoints. This is an important first step in showing to the travelling public that regulators and the industry are working hard to reduce the impact of existing restrictions while maintaining high security standards. We need increased focus on research and development so as to ultimately allow the lifting of all restrictions to the carriage of liquid goods”.