The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) has introduced new security restrictions on carrying liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) onto aircraft effective from May 1, 2007. The new carry-on restrictions are in accordance with the standards and practices recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Effective from May 1, 2007, domestic passengers (excluding passengers travelling to Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan) are required to comply with the following restrictions:

• Domestic passengers are permitted to carry LAGs that do not exceed 1 litre, any excess LAGs must be placed in checked-in luggage or to be confiscated during security screening. However, no alcoholic liquids are allowed as carry-on items regardless of the actual amount, which means alcoholic liquids must be placed in the checked-in luggage and the packaging of such item should be in accordance with relevant air transportation regulations as well as airline policies. If domestic passengers take LAGs as their carry-on items, security screening officers are allowed to open LAGs for inspection.

Effective from May 1, 2007, all inbound and outbound international passengers, those travelling between mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan as well as passengers need to transit to another flight from mainland China to overseas and Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan are required to comply with the following restrictions:

• Passengers are allowed to bring LAGs in containers that are 100 millilitres or less per unit, but no partially filled containers larger than 100 millilitres per unit are allowed. Larger containers must be placed in the checked-in luggage or subject to confiscation during security screening. All containers must be securely placed in a resealable transparent plastic bag that is no larger than 1 litre (Recommended Size: 20cm X 20cm). Each passenger is only allowed one resealable transparent plastic bag. All transparent plastic bags are required to be shown separately from normal carry-on baggage for inspection. Exemptions exist for medications and baby products needed for the duration of the flight.
• If passengers has purchased any LAG products at airport duty-free stores or in-flight, the items must be placed in a sealed transparent plastic bag, and the bag must remain un-opened (sealed) until passengers have reached their final destination. In addition, any purchase receipts of LAGs should also be retained by passengers as well.
• For passengers who need to transit in another country or territory, the relevant security measures and regulations under the jurisdiction of the other country or territory should prevail in case if there is any difference to the restrictions and regulations set by CAAC.

For further information, passengers should consult with the relevant airline beforehand. It is also advisable for affected passengers to pack their LAGs before heading to the airport. Any consequences caused by passengers who disobey above regulations are at their own risk. Severe penalties may also apply if passengers have been found in breath of above restrictions intentionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What goods are considered LAGs?

Answer: LAGs generally include, but certainly not limited to, drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, lipstick and other similar substances. So, most things that can be poured, sprayed or smeared will come under the LAG category.

Question: Is a standard plastic bag (sized at 1 litre) okay if travelling as an international passenger?

Answer: Please keep in mind that the plastic bags used for placing LAGs must be resealable and transparent. Below is an example image.

Question: What if I disagree with security screening officers over a particular item?

Answer: Security screening officers have the final say. Please do not argue or get aggressive with them as this may result you facing severe consequences and/or penalties.