The European Commission passed a legislative framework requiring all hold baggage screening (HBS) in Europe be equipped with European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Standard 3-approved explosives detection systems (EDS) by 2018 in the UK, 2020 for the rest of Europe and 2022 in specific circumstances.
The new standard was implemented to detect higher levels of threats, while lowering operational false alarm rates (FAR).
Upgrading from Standard 2 to Standard 3-approved systems requires redesigning and reconfiguring your Baggage Handling Systems (BHS).
Why? In many Standard 2 configurations, the first level of screening is handled by a standard X-ray system, while a more powerful, Computed Tomography (CT) technology is used at Level 3. With the new mandate, Standard 3-approved machines (typically containing CT technology) will now be used right at Level 1.