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he European Union has approved scanners capable of reliably detecting liquid explosives, an EU Commission spokeswoman told dpa, potentially paving the way for the lifting of long-standing restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage.

The spokeswoman confirmed that the new CT scanners, similar to those used in medical imaging, can reliably identify threats and theoretically allow passengers to carry larger bottles. It is now up to individual airports to adopt the technology, she added.

However, implementation - especially in Germany - is set to take time due to outdated equipment and technical hurdles.

At Germany's Frankfurt Airport, 40 of about 190 security lanes are equipped with the new systems, with 40 more on order, a spokeswoman said.

However, passengers still face the 100-millilitre limit because it's unclear which scanner will inspect their bags - and some of the new devices are still missing the necessary software.

Munich Airport faces similar delays, with software upgrades postponed until after the busy holiday season.

Currently, passengers must not carry liquids exceeding 100 millilitres, with containers to be placed inside a resealable transparent plastic bag holding no more than 1 litre in total.

This rule was introduced in 2006 after authorities foiled a terror plot involving liquid explosives smuggled aboard a plane.

Roughly 700 scanners using the new software are currently in use or being installed across 21 EU countries, according to the EU Commission.

A spokeswoman for Germany's airport association ADV said full nationwide rollout is complex and expensive, requiring not just the new equipment but structural modifications due to the machines' larger size.