EU tightens screening rules for onboard supplies and airport deliveries

Airports and regulated suppliers across the European Union are adapting to revised screening requirements for onboard supplies and airport deliveries, in force since 1 October 2026 under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/449.

The regulation amends the existing common standards for aviation security. The EU cites a changed threat and risk picture, and a wish to harmonise and sharpen the rules, as its reasons.

The provisions in force since October cover the use of X-ray equipment, explosive trace detectors (ETD) and explosive vapour detectors (EVD) when screening onboard supplies and airport deliveries. New conditions apply to how that equipment is used.

The EU chose 1 October 2026 for these two changes deliberately, so airports and regulated suppliers could adapt their screening procedures. Other parts of the regulation had already entered into force earlier. The text has been published.