Airport security equipment with EU mark: what changes in 2026 for manufacturers and airports

Key data

If your company manufactures, purchases or manages detection and control equipment at European airports, this update affects you directly. Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2404, published on 3 November 2026, modifies the catalogue of civil aviation security equipment that can operate under the European conformity mark. The change is significant: equipment that disappears from the list can no longer be legally marketed or used at EU airports.

The modified standard—Decision (EU) 2021/2147—is the reference framework that regulates which security systems are approved at European level. This new decision updates that catalogue, requiring manufacturers and airport operators to review their situation without delay.

What does this regulation establish?

Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2404 introduces changes to the catalogue of civil aviation security equipment that can bear the European conformity mark. This mark is the enabling requirement for equipment to be purchased, installed and operated at airports in EU Member States.

The specific changes introduced by this decision compared to Decision (EU) 2021/2147 are as follows:

The regulation does not specify a deferred entry into force date, which means that changes to the catalogue apply from its publication. Equipment removed from the list sees its legal position in the European market compromised immediately.

Economic and operational impact

The impact of this update occurs on two clearly differentiated fronts:

For manufacturers: Equipment that disappears from the approved list loses its access to the European airport security market. This can result in the cancellation of ongoing supply contracts, the suspension of tenders in which that model was participating, and the need to initiate a new approval process. Conversely, manufacturers whose equipment is added to the list gain access to a highly regulated and high-value market.

For airport managers: Airports planning to acquire new equipment must verify that the selected models appear on the updated list before formalizing any contract. Airports already operating equipment that may have been removed from the list must urgently assess their operational and legal situation, as non-compliance can result in the inability to operate certain control and detection systems at their facilities.

Civil aviation authorities in each Member State are responsible for supervising compliance, which adds an additional regulatory risk for operators who do not update their inventory of approved equipment.

Who does it affect?

• Manufacturers of airport security equipment: Companies that produce detection systems, access control, scanners, X-ray equipment and other devices used at EU airports. Their ability to market in Europe depends directly on being listed in the approved catalogue.
• Airport managers and operators: Public and private entities that manage airports in the EU and must ensure that all their security equipment has current approval.
• Civil aviation authorities: National bodies responsible for supervising compliance with airport security requirements, such as AESA in Spain.
• Procurement and tender departments: Responsible for equipment acquisition at airports who must incorporate verification of the EU mark as a prerequisite to any contracting.
• Legal and regulatory compliance advisors in the civil aviation and airport security sector.

Practical example

A manager at a regional Spanish airport is planning to renew its baggage scanner system in the first quarter of 2027. It has preselected three models from different European manufacturers based on the list of approved equipment in force in 2025.

With the publication of Decision (EU) 2026/2404 on 3 November 2026, the catalogue of approved equipment has changed. If the manager does not verify the new list before formalizing the purchase contract, it could acquire equipment that no longer has the current EU mark. The result: that equipment could not be legally operated at the airport, with the resulting economic cost of the failed acquisition and the need to repeat the selection and contracting process.

The correct action is to consult the updated list published in the EU Official Journal before any purchase decision, and require the manufacturer to provide documentary confirmation that its equipment is listed in the current catalogue.

What should companies do now?

1. Consult the updated list: Access Decision (EU) 2026/2404 published in the EU Official Journal and verify which equipment has been added to or removed from the approved catalogue.
2. Audit the inventory of equipment in operation: Airport managers must verify that all equipment currently in use continues to appear on the current list. If any has been removed, assess the operational and legal impact immediately.
3. Review ongoing procurement processes: Any tender or equipment acquisition contract in progress must verify that the selected models are on the new list before finalization.
4. Update specifications: Incorporate as a contractual requirement the verification of the current EU mark according to Decision (EU) 2026/2404 in all future procurement processes.
5. Coordinate with the national civil aviation authority: In case of doubt about the status of specific equipment, contact the competent body (AESA in Spain) for official guidance.
6. Manufacturers: initiate (re)approval process if applicable: If equipment has been removed from the list, assess the feasibility and timelines of the new approval process before the European Commission to regain market access.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202602404