Whatever Happened To It ?

[KARL]

The more I have to suffer the airport security process, the more I wish for it to change. A while back there was a stated EU objective regarding liquids/gels/creams in hand luggage and, from memory, there was a target of April 2013 for developing and bringing into use equipment which would be capable of distinguishing totally harmless substances from potentially harmful ones (in the hands of anyone intending harm to a flight). That deadline was then changed/delayed by a couple of years but now I cannot find any mention of an aim in this direction or any explanation of what happened regarding it.

In my imagination it is possible that the equipment may already be developed to the satisfaction of all but the USA and without their acceptance of its use it cannot be deployed - after all, the procedures, including recording of documentation requirements before checking in for travel to/from the UK and USA is initiated/dictated by them. Meanwhile the hand baggage check is heavily criticised by various specialists/experts as being an ineffective sledgehammer that does by no means provide the safety/guarantee that was aimed for at its instigation (as a rush measure when "something had to be done"). Some say it is little more than a theatrical performance.

Does anyone know what the current position is on this matter with the hoped for equipment ?