LONDON — A European trade organization representing the travel retail industry called on governments Friday to introduce a temporary security system to make it easier for U.S.-bound passengers to purchase liquid-based products, like cosmetics, fragrance and alcohol, in duty free stores.
The European Travel Retail Council suggested airport stores pack duty free goods in sealed transparent bags, which the group said would allow security staff to verify that products have not been tampered with before they’re brought on board planes.
“We believe that our recommended actions can provide the most practical and effective solution to the need for more security in airports at this time,” Jacques Parson, vice president of the ETRC, said in a statement. “With the ‘sealed bag’ measure, the industry can extend its secure supply chain from the point of sale to the final destination.”
Currently, security restrictions put in place in European airports outside the U.K. stipulate that passengers flying to the U.S. are permitted to carry liquids purchased in duty free stores on the proviso that they’re delivered to the customer just before boarding, according to a spokesman for the ETRC.
While that scenario allows passengers to buy duty free goods like fragrances, the spokesman said passengers see the delivery system as a deterrent to shopping as they’re accustomed to taking their purchases with them when they leave a store. He added the process is costly and complicated logistically.
On flights from the U.K. to the U.S., liquids, including those purchased in duty free stores, are still prohibited in carry-on luggage.
The new security measures, put in place following an alleged terrorist plot to bomb planes flying from the U.K. to the U.S., restrict the sale of fragrances, makeup, toiletries and alcoholic beverages, among key categories for airport retailers. Travel retail annual beauty sales, which weigh in at $7.56 billion, are likely to take a hit because of the new procedures, as well as other product categories.
“The current restrictions on hand baggage and airport shopping are not sustainable,” said Parson. “We have a solution that delivers security without restricting passengers’ ability to enjoy airport shopping and damaging a sector vital to European aviation.”
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A spokesman for the U.K.’s Department for Transport said current security conditions will remain in place “for the time being. The current security measures are in place but we’re keeping them under review,” he said.