Smiths Detection’s IONSCAN 600 explosives trace detection system recently passed certification testing by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The certification test is the first of a three-step testing sequence required by the TSA’s overall qualification process and is necessary in order to be placed on the agency’s qualified products list for explosives detection equipment. The certification is a current prerequisite for deployment at all U.S. airports.
“Regulators need to continuously respond to address emerging threats and work with industry to stay ahead of terrorism,” Neil Sandhoff, vice president of Sales and Business Development at Smiths, said. “TSA laboratory certification, along with meeting other international regulatory standards for passenger and cargo screening, shows Smiths Detection’s continued investment to help protect the traveling public.”
The system currently meets the European Civil Aviation Conference’s (ECAC) standards for passenger and cargo screening and the Civil Administration of China’s (CAAC) standard for aviation screening.
The next-generation detector can be used to detect and identify trace amounts of threat material that could be present on a passenger’s hands, luggage, clothing, and cargo.
“With this certification, IONSCAN 600 is ideally suited for installation at all major airports outside the United States (U.S.) helping them meet the most stringent explosive detection requirements,” Sandhoff said.