Duty free boost as Malaysia secures EU LAGs breakthrough

EU/MALAYSIA. From tomorrow (10 April) passengers making duty free purchases at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) who are travelling to Europe and then transiting onwards will no longer be subject to normal EU restrictions on taking liquids and gels (LAGs) onboard aircraft.

Until now all passengers travelling from Malaysia were subject to EU LAGs restrictions and were unable to take duty free liquids bought in Malaysia onboard transfer flights at EU airports.

ETRC President Frank O’Connell: Passengers will no longer fear confiscation of their purchases

Passengers flying from KLIA who have connecting flights in the EU can now take duty free liquids and gels on their connecting flights provided that they are packaged by the airport duty free retailer in sealed, tamper evident bags with clear proof of purchase within 36 hours of time of sale.

European Travel Retail Council President Frank O’Connell said: “I am delighted that the new rules for Kuala Lumpur International Airport will come into effect tomorrow and would like to thank the European Commission for pressing ahead with this agreement.

“The industry has been expecting the agreement with Malaysia for a long time and I am very happy to see it coming into force finally. Following similar agreements with the US and Canada, this is yet another step that will facilitate travel for passengers transferring at the European airports.

“I also expect that these rules will help to boost sales at the Malaysian duty free shops as passengers will no longer fear confiscation of their purchases. This is very important, given the holiday season travel peak which will soon begin.”