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What is the volume limit in the EU? A Guide to Medication and Packaging Rules

4 min read

Effective September 1, 2024, all EU airports returned to a standard 100ml liquid limit for cabin baggage, a restriction with important exemptions for essential medications. However, this is just one aspect of the question: 'What is the volume limit in the EU?' when it comes to medicinal products, as a separate and evolving set of rules governs pharmaceutical packaging and manufacturing.

Quick Summary

EU volume limits for medication depend on context, differing significantly between air travel and manufacturing. Airport rules permit medically necessary liquids exceeding 100ml in carry-on baggage with proper declaration, while new packaging regulations aim to reduce excessive volume and waste in medicinal products.

Key Points

  • Medical Exemption for Carry-on Liquids: The EU 100ml liquid limit in hand luggage does not apply to essential, medically necessary liquids, which can be carried in larger volumes after declaration.

  • Documentation is Key for Travel: For smooth transit, carry a doctor's letter or prescription for liquid medication exceeding 100ml and keep items in original packaging.

  • Packaging Waste Regulations Reduce Volume: New EU rules are pushing pharmaceutical companies to reduce overall packaging volume, including limitations on excessive empty space.

  • Timeline Adjustments for Sensitive Packaging: Due to higher safety standards, pharmaceutical packaging is granted special exemption timelines for some environmental mandates compared to other goods.

  • National Variations for Imports: While EU travel rules are harmonized, specific limits and permit requirements for importing personal quantities of medication vary by individual member state.

  • Assume the Strict Airport Limit: Following recent technical issues, the standard 100ml liquid limit is generally back in force at EU airports, overriding previous scanner-based exceptions.

In This Article

The concept of a volume limit for medicinal products in the European Union is not a single, universal rule. Instead, it is governed by a patchwork of regulations that depend heavily on context. For travelers, the rules revolve around air travel security, while for manufacturers, limits are imposed through environmental and packaging directives. Understanding the distinctions is crucial for both patients and the pharmaceutical industry.

Volume Limits for Medications during Air Travel

The most common encounter with a volume limit for medication is at airport security. Following security threats, the EU and other international partners implemented strict limitations on liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) carried in hand luggage.

The 100ml Standard and Medical Exemptions

The standard rule requires all LAGs in cabin baggage to be in containers no larger than 100ml and placed in a single, transparent, re-sealable 1-liter plastic bag. While this rule applies to most toiletries, a vital exemption exists for medically necessary liquids. This includes essential medications, such as insulin, eye drops, and liquid syrups, which can be carried in larger containers than 100ml. Passengers must declare these items to security officers for separate screening. It is also highly recommended to keep medication in its original packaging and carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter to explain its medical necessity. The 100ml limit was briefly relaxed at some airports with new scanning technology, but was reinstated from September 1, 2024, due to technical issues, so travelers should always assume the stricter limit is in force unless explicitly stated otherwise by their airport.

Tips for Traveling with Liquid Medication in the EU

To ensure a smooth journey with liquid medication, consider the following steps:

  • Keep Documentation Ready: Have a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note explaining your medical condition and the necessity of the medication. This can prevent delays at security checkpoints.
  • Use Original Packaging: Keep medications in their original, clearly labelled packaging. This helps security personnel and customs officials identify the contents and avoid confusion with illicit substances.
  • Declare at Security: Inform the security officer at the start of the screening process that you have medically necessary liquids exceeding 100ml in your carry-on bag.
  • Factor in Extra Supply: Consider bringing a bit more medication than you need for the duration of your trip, in case of travel delays or unexpected events.

Volume Limits in Pharmaceutical Packaging Regulations

Beyond travel, EU regulations also address the volume of medication packaging itself. The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which has been in development, includes provisions to reduce overall waste by targeting over-packaging in various industries, including pharmaceuticals.

A New Focus on Minimal Volume

Proposed regulations aim to minimize the weight and volume of all packaging. A key provision targets the amount of empty space within packaging, with some suggestions proposing a maximum of 40% empty space. This is intended to curb excessive use of materials and shipping costs, reducing the environmental footprint of medicinal products. For the pharmaceutical industry, this presents a significant challenge, especially for products with complex safety and sterility requirements.

Exemption and Adjustments for Sensitive Products

Recognizing the unique safety and sterility needs of medicinal products, the new regulations include specific considerations. Contact-sensitive packaging, which includes materials for medical devices and medicinal products, is exempt from certain recyclability mandates until a review in 2035. This acknowledges that pharmaceutical companies need more time to research and implement sustainable, yet safe, packaging alternatives.

Comparison Table: Air Travel vs. Pharmaceutical Packaging Regulations

Feature Air Travel Security Rules Pharmaceutical Packaging Regulations
Scope of Volume Limit Liquid, aerosol, and gel (LAG) containers carried in hand baggage. The overall size and empty space within a medicinal product's packaging.
Primary Goal Enhanced security by limiting the potential for liquid explosives. Environmental sustainability by reducing waste and over-packaging.
Rule for Liquid Medication Exemption for medically necessary liquids > 100ml, with requirement for declaration and potential verification. Does not apply to the internal product volume; focuses on the external packaging.
Documentation Required Prescription or doctor's letter recommended for large quantities. Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with design and material requirements.
Governing Body European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, local airport security. European Commission's environmental and internal market directorates, national agencies.
Implementation Timeline Ongoing; recent 100ml reinstatement in 2024. Phased implementation, with deadlines for recyclability and empty space limits (e.g., 2028, 2030).

Importing Medications into the EU

For individuals seeking to import medication for personal use, the volume limits are subject to different rules and national legislation. While the EU facilitates cross-border healthcare, importing personal quantities of medicine is often regulated by the destination country's customs authority. For over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, quantities should be consistent with the length of the trip. For larger quantities of certain OTC medications, some countries, like Estonia, may require an application for permission from the national medicines agency. It is essential to check with the specific customs authority of the member state you are entering, as rules can vary.

Conclusion

The answer to "What is the volume limit in the EU?" regarding medications is multifaceted, depending on whether one is a traveler or a manufacturer. The most immediate concern for patients is the airport security checkpoint, where a clear exemption exists for essential liquid medications, provided they are properly declared and documented. In contrast, the pharmaceutical industry faces evolving packaging regulations that mandate reduced volume and environmental impact, albeit with special considerations for the safety-critical nature of medical products. Both sets of rules highlight the EU's commitment to balancing security and environmental concerns with the fundamental needs of healthcare. For patients, the key is preparation and clear communication; for manufacturers, it's adapting to a more sustainable, minimal-volume future.

Official EU Transportation rules on LAGs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can. Medically necessary liquids, such as essential medications, are exempt from the standard 100ml rule. You must declare these items to security officers for separate screening.

While not always legally required for security screening, it is highly recommended to carry a prescription or a doctor's letter. This documentation helps prove the medical necessity of the medication and can prevent delays.

It is best practice to have a copy of your prescription, a doctor's letter explaining your condition, and to keep the medication in its original, clearly labelled packaging.

New EU regulations on packaging and packaging waste aim to reduce overall volume and over-packaging. Manufacturers must comply with new rules regarding minimal size and empty space limits.

Regulations are being introduced to minimize packaging volume, with some proposals suggesting a maximum of 40% empty space. This aims to reduce material usage and environmental impact.

Yes, while some rules are harmonized, specific limits and requirements for importing personal quantities of medication can vary by member state. It is necessary to check with the customs authority of the destination country.

The 100ml limit applies to most OTC liquid products in your carry-on, but essential OTC liquid medications for use during your trip may also be exempt. You should still carry them in their original containers and declare them at security.

Some EU airports began using advanced scanners that would have allowed larger liquids in hand baggage, but a technical issue led to the temporary reinstatement of the 100ml limit from September 2024. As of now, the old rules apply widely.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.