Domestic Checked Baggage Screening
Intelligence agencies and past events confirm an enduring threat to aviation from terrorists and thus the need for ongoing, robust, aviation security measures.
Checked Baggage Screening (CBS) is an important aviation security measure that examines passengers' luggage to ensure that explosives are not brought on board aircraft and can operate by a number of means including:
- X-ray examination;
- testing for chemical residues using Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment; and
- physical search.
CBS has been incrementally introduced at Australian airports. Since 31 December 2004, 100 per cent CBS has been required for all international regular public transport (RPT) air services leaving Australia.
CBS was extended domestically to the 11 major airports commencing 1 August 2007.
The May 2007 budget announced the further extension of domestic CBS to all airports receiving regular domestic jet services with:
- as an interim measure, random and continuous ETD testing of checked baggage from 1 December 2007; and
- 100 per cent testing of checked baggage using explosive detection system capable X-ray equipment commencing from 1 December 2008.
Importantly, this measure delivers consistent security screening treatment of all passengers and baggage carried on a jet passenger aircraft departing from anywhere in Australia.
For further information please refer to the FAQs.