The United States announced an immediate ban on toner and ink cartridges over 16 ounces (453 grams) on passenger aircraft in both carry-on bags and checked bags on domestic and international flights in-bound to the United States, while extending a Yemeni air cargo ban to Somalia. The new security measures were announced by DHS in wake of a failed al-Qaeda plot to bomb two U.S.-bound cargo planes. In addition, no cargo deemed “high risk” will be allowed on passenger aircraft. The DHS Secretary said the U.S. administration is working closely with industry international partners to expedite the receipt of cargo manifests for international flights to the United States prior to departure in order to identify and screen items based on risk and current intelligence.

More on airport security, check Security Magazine’s online archive at www.securitymagazine.com