New security procedures

Implementation from 6 November

 

 

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced new security regulations, which harmonise security procedures across the European Union (EU). This aligns processes across Europe, allowing Heathrow to remain consistent and competitive within the European market.

 

The regulations will come into effect from Monday 6 November and apply to both passenger and staff search areas.

 

Liquids New Rules

 

·          Liquids may now be carried through security.

·          They must be in individual containers, no larger than 100ml.

·          The containers must be kept together in a single bag.

·          The bag must:

-          be clear plastic, although it may have a logo or writing

-          be a maximum size of 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches)

-          have an integral seal that is reusable (e.g. ziplock or press-shut)

-          be fully closed.

·          You must be able to see all items within the bag.

·          The bag can contain items other than liquids.

·          There is no limit to the number of containers that can be carried; however, they must all fit comfortably within the clear plastic bag and the bag must be closed.

·          The bag must be removed from the hand-luggage and presented for screening.

·          Passengers, including children and infants, will be allowed one bag per person.  Staff will also be allowed only one bag for liquids.

·          People will be expected to provide their own bags; however, an emergency supply will be made available for the first few weeks.

·          A valid need for any empty container (e.g. a baby bottle), larger than 100ml must be established.  Once established, these can be taken through security.

 

Should any liquids, in containers less than 100ml, be found in hand-luggage during search, the passenger or staff member will be provided with a plastic bag and allowed to place the items in that bag for onward carriage (for the first month after the new regulations are introduced).

 

Duty Free liquids

 

·          The following rules apply to Duty Free liquids (e.g. alcohol, perfume, make-up) purchased in an EU country or on an aircraft operated by an EU airline:

-          Duty Free liquids must be in a tamper-evident clear plastic bag

-          the bag must not have been tampered with

-          proof of purchase (e.g. a receipt) must be visible within the bag

-          the Duty Free liquid must have been purchased on the day of travel

-          Duty Free liquid items, which comply with the above rules, may be carried through both central search and transfer areas.

·         Duty Free liquid carried by passengers travelling from a destination outside of the EU on a non-EU airline is not allowed and should be voluntarily abandoned.

·         All other Duty Free products (e.g. solid cosmetics, cigarettes), purchased airside at any airport on their journey, can be taken through.

·         The Duty Free liquids may be carried in addition to the one piece of cabin baggage that is allowed per passenger. All other items must be carried within the hand-luggage.

 

Lighters

 

One lighter may be taken through security. The lighter must not be placed within the clear plastic bag. The lighter can be carried on the person or placed in a tray, it must not be placed in hand-luggage. Once onboard the aircraft, the lighter must be carried on the person.

 

Baby milk and liquid medicines

 

·          Baby milk can be carried outside of the clear plastic bag, limited to a sufficient quantity for the journey only. Current regulations for testing remain in place.

·          Liquid prescription and non-prescription medicines in containers under 100ml should be placed inside the clear plastic bag. Quantities larger than 100ml, which should be presented separately outside of the clear plastic bag, are subject to the verification procedure already in place. Only enough medicine for the trip or shift should be carried.

 

Jackets and coats

 

·          In addition to coats, which are already screened, all jackets must be removed and screened.

 

Hand-luggage

 

·          The rules regarding hand-luggage are already in force in the UK and these will be introduced across Europe within the next six months:

-          passengers are each allowed one item of hand-luggage, sized (56cm x 45cm x 25cm)

-          staff are allowed two items of hand-luggage, in addition to any item essential for the conduct of their duties

-          musical instruments can be carried through security

-          other out-sized valuable or delicate items (e.g. paintings) are currently not acceptable

-          laptops and other large electrical items must be removed from bags for screening.

 

Abandoned items

 

·          Any item that is not allowed to be carried through central search, must be abandoned if the person wants to continue through central search.

·          Procedures for prohibited items, where the police are called (e.g. an offensive weapon), remain in place.

·          All other abandoned items must be placed in the appropriate containers.