New Powder Restrictions Enforced on International Flights From June 30

Henry Jom
6/26/2018
Updated:
6/26/2018

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced new rules relating to the transport of powders on all carry-on luggage bound for the United States, Bloomberg reported.

Starting on June 30, passengers carrying more than 12 ounces (350mL) of powder, such as cosmetics, talcum powder, dry spices or protein mix, will be subject to additional screening.

Anything greater than 12 ounces —the volume of a regular soft drink can—will be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening, along with gels, liquids and laptops. If the substance cannot be identified, TSA staff may dispose the powder.

To avoid the possible disposal of these powder substances, TSA spokesman Michael England, has recommended passengers place them inside their checked luggage.

The new rules were partly prompted by a failed bomb plot which occurred last July on an Etihad Airways plane flying from Sydney to Abu Dhabi, according to Bloomberg.

TSA spokesman Michael England said, “Improvised devices containing powder explosives have always been a concern of TSA’s.”

In a April 2018 statement, TSA said, “These enhanced screening measures enable TSA officers to better screen for threats to passengers and aircrew while maintaining efficiency at checkpoints throughout the U.S.”

Many international airlines started voluntarily screening for powders last year, according to CNN.

The Australian government will also enforce similar measures from June 30.

According to the new Australian regulations, inorganic powders must be separated for screening and be placed in containers not exceeding 12 ounces (350 mL). These include salt, sand, talcum powders, foot powders, powdered detergent, some cosmetics and cleaning products.

Organic powders, such as baby formula, protein powder, coffee, spices and Epsom salts, have no restrictions.

In addition, since the restriction is based on total container volume rather than the amount of powder, passengers cannot tip inorganic powders out to fall under the 12 ounce (350 mL) threshold. The new measures will apply to all carry-on baggage on international flights.

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Henry Jom is an Australian-based reporter who focuses on Australian and health-related news. He has a bachelor's in health science, specialising in rehabilitation, and is currently completing a postgraduate degree in law. Henry can be contacted at [email protected]
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