Taiwan begins sensible implementation of ICAO security guidelines

Taiwan has adopted the new airport security regulations set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association reports. The country introduced the new guidelines on the earliest possible date, March 1, and has modified some aspects in order to make travelling easier for passengers.

The potential confiscation of liquids aerosols and gels on transfer appears to have been an important consideration, and collect on return points have been established to allow passengers to buy duty-free liquids and avoid confiscation by picking up their purchases when they return to the country.

The local authorities have decided not to instate ICAO’s recommendation that passengers be required to arrive at the airport three hours before their scheduled time of departure, except for passengers travelling to the US. All other passengers only have to check in two hours before departure. In another departure from ICAO suggestions, passengers will be able to travel with empty bottles, even those with a capacity greater than 100ml.

According to APTRA’s research, Taiwan is seeking bilateral agreements on security standards with Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and the US. The changes are being publicised by inflight announcements, airport posters and advertising in print and electronic media. The country has also agreed to accept tamper-evident bags from Europe and the US.