New explosive detection systems in place soon

New equipment to detect explosives will be in place at international airports throughout New Zealand from around the middle of the year, Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven says.

Luggage is already screened for traces of explosives, but that will be extended to carry on baggage by around June.

Mr Duynhoven said the new equipment was state-of-the-art and could detect a wide range of explosives.

Explosive trace detection would be randomly carried out on passengers and their carry-on bags after they passed through the x-ray and metal detector check.

Under the process a swab would be run across baggage and travel documents, then analysed on the spot by the new equipment.

"Technology is not yet at the point where it can simply and easily detect all explosives.

"For example, certain liquid explosives cannot be detected."

This was behind new restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels carried on aircraft, which would take effect from the end of the month.

- NZPA

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