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Mobility and Transport
News article6 February 2018Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport

EU & Singapore sign One-Stop Security Arrangement Mutual recognition of security screening rules at airports between the EU and Singapore allows for a seamless travel

Today, the mutual recognition of security screening rules at airports between the EU and Singapore enters into force. This One-Stop Security (OSS) arrangement allows for passengers, their cabin baggage and hold baggage, originating from Singapore (Changi) airport to transfer onto a connecting flight in the EU (EEA) airports, without going through security checks a second time.

This will not only avoid duplication of procedures and save time, cutting costs for airport operators and airlines, it will also greatly improve passengers' experience. The OSS is a good example of how to strengthen aviation security rules globally and contribute to the sustainability of air travel, as endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and develop trustworthy relations with international partners.

For the occasion, the Director-General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission, Henrik Hololei, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Singapore, Loh Ngai Seng, met at the annual Singapore Air Show to discuss practical means to implement this joint agenda further.

Background

One-Stop Security is well established across the European Union as all the EU Member States apply common aviation security rules. The EU may establish OSS with other countries once it has been verified that their aviation security rules are equivalent to that of the EU. To date, that has been achieved with the United States (one way for passengers, their cabin baggage and hold baggage), Canada (for passengers, their cabin baggage and hold baggage at all EU airports and at selected Canadian airports) and Montenegro (for passengers, their cabin baggage, hold baggage and cargo). Talks are ongoing with Israel and Serbia.

Following the blueprint introduced in December 2015 in the Aviation Strategy for Europe, DG MOVE together with the Singapore Ministry of Transport (MOT), worked intensely towards establishing the mutual recognition of security screening rules at airports. A draft legislative proposal has been prepared in December 2017 by the European Commission and submitted to the attention of Member States. Finally, the Commission adopted the act recognising Singapore aviation security measures as equivalent on 9 January 2018 (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/55).

Next steps

DG MOVE and MOT are working on the details for the future exchange of information about the latest developments, and on the intervals for assessments and mutual visits at airports.

DG MOVE has also launched a study to analyse economic and other benefits of existing OSS arrangements between the EU and the United States of America, the EU and Canada and the EU and Montenegro. This will serve as additional data to develop similar partnerships with other countries in the world. The study is expected to be completed in September 2018.

For more information

An Aviation Strategy for Europe

General publications3 March 2023
One Stop Security inforgraphic
One Stop Security inforgraphic
English
(1.18 MB - PDF)
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Details

Publication date
6 February 2018
Author
Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport