EU rules limiting liquids on planes start tomorrow

BRUSSELS, Nov 5 (Reuters) Air travellers in Europe must pack water, perfumes, toothpastes and other liquids into a small plastic bag before going through airport security checkpoints under new rules that enter into force tomorrow.

The rules limit the amount of liquids people may take on board planes and reflect efforts to standardise measures put in place in Europe after London authorities said in August they had foiled a plot to bomb flights bound for the United States.

The rules will apply throughout the 25-nation European Union, and Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland. New limits to the size of carry-on bags are expected to enter into force in 2007.

Passengers may bring on board one re-sealable plastic bag that is a maximum size of 1 litre in which contact lens solution, creams, and gels are stored.

The liquids must be placed in separate, 100 ml (3.5 fl oz) containers that fit into the transparent bag, which passengers must then present at security check-points.

''The new rules do not limit the liquids that you can buy at shops located beyond the point where you show your boarding pass or on board an aircraft operated by an EU airline,'' said a flyer by the European Commission and airline and airport groups.

Liquids included water and drinks, creams, oils, perfumes sprays, deodorants, foams, toothpaste, mascara and other items of similar consistency, it said.

The rules were agreed by EU states based on studies of what would be required to make a liquid explosive. Similar restrictions are in place in the United States.

Passengers will be allowed to carry medicines and ''dietary requirements'' such as baby foods in their hand luggage but may be asked to prove that the exceptional items are needed.

Passengers must also remove jackets and coats at security check-points and take laptop computers and other large electrical devices such as DVD players out of their hand luggage to be screened separately.

Many EU member states already have such rules. The new rules will be compulsory across the EU, though nations can impose further measures if they choose.

Reuters AKJ RN2243