Airport liquid rules
Most airports follow the ICAO standard: liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 100 ml / 100 g or less, all in one transparent, resealable 1-litre bag. Duty-free purchases are allowed in sealed tamper-evident (STEB) bags, and essential liquids such as medicine and baby food are exempt.
| Region / country | Container limit | Bag rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| International (ICAO) | 100 ml / 100 g per container | 1 L clear resealable bag | Baseline for most airports; screen separately |
| United States (TSA) | 3.4 oz / 100 ml per container | 1 quart clear bag, 1 per passenger | 3-1-1 rule; over 100 ml only if declared |
| European Union | 100 ml per container | 1 L transparent resealable bag | One bag per passenger; UK same since 2023 |
| United Kingdom | 100 ml per container | 1 L transparent bag | New CT scanners may allow over 100 ml at some airports |
| Canada (CATSA) | 100 ml per container | 1 L clear resealable bag | Same as international; one bag per passenger |
| Australia | 100 ml per container | 1 L clear plastic bag | One bag per passenger; screened separately |
| Japan | 100 ml per container | 1 L clear bag (recommended) | Follows international; separate tray at security |
| South Korea | 100 ml per container | 1 L transparent bag | One bag per passenger at Incheon and domestic |
| China | 100 ml per container | 1 L clear bag | Domestic flights follow the same 100 ml rule |
| Singapore | 100 ml per container | 1 L clear bag | Changi follows the international standard |
| UAE | 100 ml per container | 1 L clear bag | Dubai and Abu Dhabi follow ICAO; sealed duty-free OK |
| India | 100 ml per container | 1 L clear bag | One bag per passenger; liquids screened separately |
Notes
- Medicine, baby food and special dietary formula are exempt but may need screening or a prescription letter.
- Duty-free liquids must stay sealed in their STEB bag; do not open before your final security check.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the 100 ml rule?
- Each container must hold 100 ml or 100 g or less; the limit is the container size, not how full it is. All containers go in one 1-litre clear bag.
- Can I bring duty-free liquids?
- Yes, if packed in a sealed tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt inside. Keep it sealed until you reach your final destination.
- Are medicines exempt?
- Yes. Essential liquids like prescription medicine and baby food are allowed in larger amounts, but carry a prescription or doctor's letter and declare them.
- Why was my half-full 200 ml bottle taken?
- Because the rule is about container capacity (max 100 ml), not remaining volume — a larger bottle is not allowed even if partly empty.