Confiscation of items

Karm Farrugia writes:

'Perhaps this is not quite appropriate for your column, but maybe you will still consider it. I have already written three times in The Times, asking what happens to the multitude of items confiscated by security staff at the airport as passengers depart. This recently happened to me with my 150ml shaving gel, which was confiscated because it contained than the allowed 100ml. No receipt or acknowledgement was given. Who is the beneficiary? The airport staff? MIA itself?'

We have already referred to this issue and for the benefit of those who missed it I will feature a letter we received from Rosette Fenech, head of communications at MIA:

'Please be advised that, as in most airports where the regulation regarding the partial ban on liquids for carriage in hand luggage is still applicable (Chapter 353 Civil Aviation Security Act and Annex to Regulation (EC No. 1546/2006), Malta International Airport undertakes to distribute the usable items confiscated to charitable institutes from time to time.

'To date, charitable institutions such as St Patrick's Salesian Home for boys and St Joseph Institute have benefited from the confiscation of such items. This had featured in the local media. You may also appreciate that the issuing of a receipt for every item is neither practicable nor productive; likewise neither is the storage of such items a plausible solution.

'Moreover, we wish to avail ourselves of this opportunity to reiterate with travellers that items categorised as liquids include gels, shampoo, all sorts of creams, lotions, oils, moisturisers, shower gels, hair cream, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and water. In accordance to local and EU legislation, the carriage of such liquids in hand luggage has been restricted since October 4, 2006.

'By the amendment of this regulation, the items categorised as liquids have been added to the list of prohibited items for carriage in hand luggage (EC Reg. 1546/2006 amending EC Reg. 622/2003 - carriage of dangerous goods). There are exceptions such as the allowance for carriage of medicine and baby food.

'Malta International Airport travellers are provided the service whereby they may obtain appropriate re-sealable transparent bags to place liquid items 100ml in volume before proceeding to security check, whereas ample security notices are affixed throughout the departure hall to alert passengers of their obligations. 'Notwithstanding the profusive information spread through the terminal's check-in hall highlighting these restrictions and regulations, MIA will resume a campaign on local media to remind travellers about this international restriction.'