Detection Requirements and Testing Methodologies for Aviation Security Screening Devices in the EU and EFTA (JRC81650) For further details please contact us.

Abstract

The European Commission is laying down legally binding technical specifications and performance requirements for aviation security screening equipment used at the EU airports. Introducing such performance standards in legislation requires a harmonised single European conformity assessment mechanism. As preparation for such a certification scheme, a study was carried out to get a better view of the performance requirements and testing methodologies for screening equipment at civil airports employed in the EU and EFTA Member States today, including the process of acquiring equipment. The study was organised by the European Reference Network for Critical Infrastructure Protection (ERNCIP) thematic area on Detection Equipment for Civil Aviation Security (ERNCIP-AVSEC) and is based on a questionnaire that was distributed via the Regulatory Committee on Aviation Security to EU and EFTA states' authorities in November 2012. The results from the study show that 18 of the 27 countries that responded to the questionnaire have an approval procedure in place for aviation security equipment regarding threat detection performance. Only four countries, however, issue product certificates. Procurement of equipment for passenger and hold baggage screening is typically handled by airports while for in-flight supplies and cargo it is sometimes handled by regulated agents. On-site acceptance tests are required in 11 of the countries while 19 countries conduct daily tests. Mainly two entities are responsible for adjusting sensitivity settings: the airport operators and the appropriate authorities.

For further details, please contact the ERNCIP Office.​