SINGAPORE/EU. From 3 January, passengers travelling from Singapore Changi Airport and transferring at an EU airport have been allowed to take duty free purchases of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) onboard their connecting flights.
The new rules were brought into force by the EU Commission last month, after Singapore had successfully applied for “recognition” of its aviation security measures. It means that passengers originating in Singapore no longer face confiscation of LAGs purchases while in transit at EU airports.
The European Travel Retail Council (ETRC) said it had contacted the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which reported a smooth transition to the new rules.
The ETRC said: “So far, no problems have been reported by either passengers or retailers, in either Singapore or the EU. CAAS has informed all retailers of the new security provisions. These have not however been actively promoted or advertised other than to retailers. Changi Airport is pleased that the solution has been implemented and that there have been no problems so far. Singapore now also recognises the security of LAGs purchased at EU airports for transfer passengers. The only exceptions are for transfers to the US and Australia, due to these countries’ own security restrictions.”
ETRC Secretary General Keith Spinks said: “The ETRC is incredibly pleased to see that there have been no problems so far with the implementation of the new rules for passengers transferring to and from Singapore. This is a great step forward for passengers and the travel retail industry, and sets the example for more non-EU countries to apply for recognition from the European Commission. If it works for Singapore, then it will work for them too.”
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