| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2016) 491 final (7.9.16) |
| Publication Date | 07/09/2016 |
| Content Type | Policy-making |
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The objective of this proposal is to contribute to the proper functioning of the EU internal market and to increase the global competitiveness of the EU industry by establishing an EU certification system for aviation security screening equipment. A more competitive EU security industry will be able to offer technological solutions which will actively increase the security of European citizens and will contribute to the capacity of European society to prevent and respond to security threats. Aviation security screening equipment relates to the security equipment used for screening persons, cabin baggage, hold baggage, supplies, air cargo and mail. Screening equipment in the aviation security sector represents a considerable market, with an annual global turnover of €14 billion (€4.2 billion in the EU alone). Airports and air transport hubs are also among the sectors with the highest global growth potential, with a strong focus on Asian markets. EU Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 establishes the technical specifications and performance requirements for aviation security screening equipment used at EU airports. This legislation is based on standards developed by the Commission, which are continuously adapted to the evolving threat scenarios and risk assessments. In consideration of the possible consequences for the EU Member States' national security of making them widely known, these standards are classified and only made available to those (persons, companies, organisations etc.) who have an adequate security clearance as well as a valid justification ("need to know basis"). The above-mentioned legislation, however, is not accompanied by a legally binding EU-wide conformity assessment scheme to ensure that the required standards are met at all EU airports. Therefore, equipment certified in one EU Member State can be put on the market in that Member State only. Any other EU Member State is free to either recognise this certification or to require that the equipment is tested again to verify whether it meets the requirements prescribed by the EU legislation, or even to impede its use in its territory. In any case, there is no automatic recognition of the certification issued by the first Member State. The certification system established by this proposal builds on the Common Evaluation Process (CEP), elaborated within the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) to assess the conformity of aviation security screening equipment with the existing performance requirements established at the EU level, and combines it with an accreditation procedure for conformity assessment bodies. The aim is to establish a unique EU certification system based on EU type-approval and issuance of certificate of conformity by manufacturers, which would be valid in all the EU Member States, according to a principle of mutual recognition. |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2016:491:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Justice and Home Affairs, Mobility and Transport |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
