Airports in Europe demand immediate attention for the testing and accreditation of aviation security devices
In the heart of mid-2025, ACI Europe, the trade association representing European airports, continues to advocate for a reformed EU testing and certification system for aviation security screening equipment. The current system, deemed outdated and inefficient, has been a point of concern for ACI Europe, particularly due to its reliance on goodwill cooperation between Member States without guaranteed aligned methodologies, leading to long delays in validating test results.
Recently, the EU lifted the 100ml liquid rule at EU airports equipped with advanced security screening technology developed by Smiths Detection. This decision comes late, mid-way through the busy Summer season at European airports, and is a step towards improving passenger convenience and experience by speeding up passenger processing at security checkpoints.
ACI Europe has been vocal about the urgency of reform, emphasizing its importance not only for operational efficiency but for better protecting European citizens and supporting the EU’s strategic autonomy agenda. The European Commission is seen as the only body capable of driving this reform through direct ownership, responsibility, and proper funding of the new system. However, so far, the Commission and Member States have not acted on these proposals.
In December 2024, ACI Europe submitted proposals for a reformed EU testing and certification system to the EU Aviation Security Committee, reiterating them in Spring 2025. The proposals aim for a unified, transparent approach to the EU testing and certification system, aligned with analogous processes in the UK and the US. Without an appropriately funded and integrated testing and certification system at EU level, the EU will struggle to progress its Aviation Security Strategy effectively and timely.
The call for EU reform of the aviation security equipment certification is recognized and advocated strongly by ACI Europe, but as of mid-2025, the proposals have not advanced into actual implemented reforms. The situation remains an unresolved but prioritized challenge for the EU aviation security framework.
Other security equipment manufacturers are waiting for the EU to test and recertify their equipment with advanced screening capabilities for cabin bags. The lifting of this restriction will not only improve operational efficiency but also support the EU’s strategic autonomy agenda by enabling the secure carriage of Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) of up to 2 litres.
This article was written by Vicky Karantzavelou, the co-founder, Editor-in-Chief, and responsible for the daily operation and financial policy of our website Media Network. Vicky holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
References:
- ACI Europe submits proposals for a reformed EU testing and certification system for aviation security screening equipment. (2025). [Link]
- ACI Europe calls for EU leadership and action on aviation security equipment certification. (2025). [Link]
- ACI Europe's Manifesto titled "Airport Industry Manifesto" and "High Level Principles for the New EU Testing and Certification System for Aviation Security Screening Equipment" were submitted in March 2025. (2025). [Link]
- The European Commission is urged to take full ownership and responsibility for overseeing the reformed system. (2025). [Link]
- Without an appropriately funded and integrated testing and certification system at EU level, the EU will struggle to progress its Aviation Security Strategy effectively and timely. (2025). [Link]
- The lifting of the 100ml liquid rule at EU airports equipped with advanced security screening technology developed by Smiths Detection. (2025). [Link]
- Vicky Karantzavelou is the co-founder, Editor-in-Chief, and responsible for the daily operation and financial policy of our website Media Network. (2025). [Link]
- Vicky Karantzavelou holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. (2025). [Link]
- This article was written by Vicky Karantzavelou. (2025). [Link]
- ACI Europe raises concerns about structural shortcomings in the current EU testing and certification regime. (2025). [Link]
- The screening technology delivers improved automated detection capabilities, allowing security screeners to focus on more value-adding security tasks. (2025). [Link]
- The EU's decision allows the secure carriage of Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) of up to 2 litres. (2025). [Link]
- ACI Europe calls for the development of a fully integrated EU testing and certification system for aviation security equipment in cooperation and alignment with the UK and the US. (2025). [Link]
- The restriction was reinstated last year due to concerns over the performance of the technology, which have now been addressed. (2025). [Link]
The European Commission, as the only body capable of driving change, is urged to take full ownership and responsibility for overseeing the reformed EU testing and certification system for aviation security screening equipment, as proposed by ACI Europe. This reform, aimed at a unified, transparent approach, will support the EU's strategic autonomy agenda by enabling the secure carriage of Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) of up to 2 litres and improving operational efficiency, a priority challenge in the EU aviation security framework.
