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Toiletries thrown out in security beef-up

International travellers carrying liquids and gels in containers larger than 100ml as hand luggage will have the containers confiscated at check-in points, the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) said yesterday.

International travellers carrying liquids and gels in containers larger than 100ml as hand luggage will have the containers confiscated at check-in points, the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) said yesterday.

Acsa was briefing the media on its new security measures, to be applied at three South African international airports from June 1.

It said the measures would bring the affected airports into compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation's standards.

Passengers would not be allowed to carry on board as hand luggage perfumes, shampoos, suntan lotions, creams, toothpastes and hair gels in bottles larger than 100ml.

These items will be sealed in resealable 20cm plastic bags to be provided at the airport, Acsa's director for airport operations, Bongani Maseko, said.

Items exceeding 100ml would be allowed on board, provided they were in checked-in luggage. Items suspected of being explosives would be put through the X-ray machines used to scrutinise luggage.

"In an effort to streamline security checks and processes, Acsa recommends that passengers place all liquids, aerosols and gels in their check-in luggage.

"Passengers who decide to carry those items need to take these regulations into account when planning their trips," Maseko said.

An exception would be made for passengers with babies and those on medication.

"Those with baby formula and baby food, and people on medication, will be allowed to carry more than 100ml of liquid provided they have a prescription from their doctor," Maseko said.

An estimated R2,3million has been set aside for the implementation of the new regulations. - Sapa

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