SINGAPORE/EU. In a move that has big implications for duty free retailers across Asia Pacific (and Australia and New Zealand in particular), passengers transiting at Singapore Changi Airport for a Europen Union-bound flight can no longer take duty free liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) purchased on an earlier sector of their journey. The new rules took effect on 14 November.
Singapore Airlines issued a notification (see below) to travellers about the changes at the weekend, saying the move was made to comply with European Union (EU) security requirements.
According to the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA), the context dates back to 6 February 2018, when the EU and Singapore signed a one-stop security agreement. This allows passengers coming from Singapore Changi Airport, with cabin and hold luggage, to transfer onto a connecting flight in EU and European Economic Area airports without having to undergo security checks for a second time.
The revised arrangements affect flights to all EU destinations from Singapore. Only duty free alcohol, liquids, aerosols and gels purchased at stores airside at Changi or onboard flights from Changi to the EU, can be brought into EU destinations. These must be housed in security tamper-evident bags with proof of purchase.
APTRA and ETRC are working in close cooperation, and are liaising with the respective authorities in their regions to find an alternative solution to this move which they noted is “highly inconvenient for travellers and detrimental to our industry”.
We will bring you further details and comment shortly.
Note: The UK’s withdrawal from the EU in early 2020 means the ban does not apply to passengers transiting through Changi and onto the UK.
