The EU plans to abolish the ‘100 ml’ rule for transporting liquids

The European Union is preparing to revise the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage and abolish the ‘100 ml’ restriction, which has been in place since 2006. New scanning systems are already being tested at European airports and could make flights more comfortable. Find out when the old restrictions are set to be abolished and what will change for passengers

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Travellers in Europe may soon see some long-awaited relief: strict restrictions on liquids in hand luggage may become a thing of the past. The European Union is considering scrapping the ‘100 ml rule’, which has been in place for almost two decades.

What they plan to change

The European Commission has announced the introduction of new baggage screening technologies at European airports. Modern scanning systems allow the contents of containers larger than 100 ml to be analysed without opening them. Such equipment is already being tested at a number of airports and, according to experts, is showing excellent results.

The next stage is the decision of the European Civil Aviation Conference. If it is positive, the restrictions may be lifted in the near future. However, the process may be protracted: not all airports will be able to quickly purchase expensive scanners, and the transition to the new rules will depend on the technical readiness of specific airports.

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How did the ‘100 ml’ rule come about?

Restrictions on liquids in hand luggage were introduced in 2006 after a terrorist attack was prevented on flights from the United Kingdom to the United States and Canada. The terrorists planned to use liquid explosives disguised as drinks to blow up several aircraft.

In response to this threat, aviation authorities in Europe, the United States and a number of other countries established uniform rules:

▪️ All liquids, including beverages, cosmetics, gels, aerosols and even toothpaste, may only be carried in hand luggage in containers of up to 100 ml.

▪️ All containers must be placed in a transparent bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre.

▪️ Exceptions were made only for baby food and medicines.

Why do they want to lift the restrictions?

Over the years, the rule has been repeatedly criticised. Experts have pointed out that, despite making it more difficult to prepare for possible attacks, these measures do not provide complete protection. In addition, modern scanning technologies are already capable of effectively detecting dangerous liquids without such strict restrictions.

If the European Union makes a final decision, it will be easier for travellers to pass through airport security: they will be able to carry larger quantities of liquids without having to divide them into miniature containers. However, no specific date has been set for the abolition of the rule – much depends on how quickly the new equipment can be installed.

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