The European Commission announced at the end of July that it would be temporarily reintroducing the 100-millilitre rule for liquids at airport security. Most major German airports have now announced that they will be implementing the rule once again from September 1, despite having invested in security systems designed to make it obsolete.

EC asks airports to reintroduce 100ml liquid rule

In a press release on July 31, the European Commission announced that it would “temporarily enforce restrictions on liquid screening at EU Airports utilising Explosive Detection Systems for Cabin Baggage (EDSCB). These systems, installed in certain EU airports, currently allow passengers to carry liquid containers exceeding 100 ml. However, effective from 1 September 2024, the maximum allowed size for individual liquid containers will revert to the standard 100 ml for airports operating this type of equipment.” 

The measure, which was described as “precautionary”, means that even European airports that have installed the new security systems will be required to limit liquids, aerosols and gels coming through security to 100 millilitres from September 1, 2024, for the foreseeable future. It has not yet been announced when the measure will be lifted.

The liquid rule was first brought in back in 2006 because the security equipment in use at the time was not able to effectively detect liquid explosives. In the years since, however, technology has moved on and airports have been installing EDSCB machines, allowing them to relax restrictions. The European Commission said there was a “temporary technical issue” with the machines that necessitated the reintroduction of the rule. 

German airports announce that end to liquid restrictions has been delayed

In Germany, some major airports have already introduced the new EDSCB machines and were starting to scrap liquid restrictions - something that they will now have to reverse. 

Germany’s largest airport in Frankfurt has already installed dozens of the new machines, but on its website, it states: “Starting on September 1, 2024, restrictions on the amounts of liquids that may be transported in carry-on luggage will be reapplied at all passenger security checkpoints at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Only liquids inside containers no larger than 100 millilitres may be taken, and these must be placed inside a re-closable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of up to one litre.” 

The main airports in Munich and Berlin have both also been installing the CT scanners, and were planning to phase out liquid restrictions, but have announced that this change will be put on ice for the time being. At other airports in Germany, where the liquid rule is still in place due to a lack of EDSCB technology, nothing will change regarding carrying liquids through security.