Asia: Duty Free Under Threat

ASIA’s duty-free shopping tag may be under threat from increased security at international airports, limiting the amount of liquid to be carried in hand luggage.

The inconsistency of security laws in different countries means that duty-free liquids purchased and legally brought on board in one country, may be confiscated on a connecting flight from another destination. Frank O’Connell, president of Retail Council, says that “without common sense co-ordination, the
airport duty-free industry will be in danger.

“Confusion and discontinuity between the regulations will further undermine consumer confidence in airport duty-free shopping, resulting in retailers being cut out more from the global market,” he said. Japan currently bans all liquids and gels, including duty-free alcohol and toiletries in carry on bags for passengers travelling to the US, while Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia have imposed their own, different safety measures.

South Korea and Hong Kong require duty free items to be in sealed in plastic bags with receipts clearly visible, and at Singapore’s Changi Airport, check in luggage for flights to the US is searched.

One example of the problems the inconsistent system creates is that passengers from Europe travelling through South Korea or Taiwan will be able to take their duty-free liquids on board, although if they travel via Japan these will be confiscated.

According to Airports International, who represent most of the world’s airports, it is a matter that needs to be addressed.

“Inconsistency in duty-free rules is not the same as safety
rules,”an official representative said.

9 May 2007