New rules governing dry powders in cabin baggage on flights to the US mean you might want to pack that talcum powder, powdered milk or packet of spices in your checked bags.
From June 30, the US Transportation Security Administration may require secondary screening of bags with powder-like substances over 12 ounces or 350ml at all foreign airports sending non-stop flights to the US.
The move matches requirements introduced at US airports last summer and asks passengers to remove smaller containers of powder from cabin baggage for separate screening.
Passengers will not be able to take it on board if it cannot be cleared.
The policy is aimed at preventing explosives or other harmful substances such as pepper spray being carried in the cabin and to stop powders from obstructing X-ray images. Gunpowder is already banned from both checked and cabin baggage.
WATCH: Virgin Galactic fires up
Powder-like substances are described as fine dry particles produced by the grinding, crushing or disintegration of a solid substance.
This includes flour, sugar, ground coffee, spices, powdered milk and cosmetics but baby formula, powders that are medically necessary and human remains will be exempt.
US airlines have already begun recommending passengers place powders in checked baggage to avoid delays at screening.
American Airlines said in an advisory it would be up to aviation security authorities outside the United States to use their discretion and training to determine what is considered a powder-like substance.
The airline said the policy does not apply to flights from the US because enhanced screening procedures had already been implemented at TSA checkpoints
The requirements are in addition to the liquid, aerosols and gels restrictions and a TSA official told CNN the move was due partly to an alleged plot to blow up an Etihad aircraft travelling from Sydney last July.
Australia will limit the amount of inorganic powders that can be carried on board to 350mls or 350 grams and will require powders to be separately presented for screening on all international flights. Unlike liquids, they will not have to be in a separate resealable plastic bag.
READ: New X-ray machines and body scanners in $A300m Australia security upgrade.
Authorities have been tightening security screening requirements at airports hosting flights headed to the US since a short-lived ban on large personal electronic devices in aircraft cabins in March, 2017.
It lifted the controversial “laptop ban” for all airlines in July of that year after strong lobbying by airlines and European Union but required 180 airlines and more than 280 airports to implement advanced security measures.
These included a boost to overall passenger screening, heightened screening of personal electronic devices as well as increased security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas.
