What the EU means by "liquids"
The rules for hand luggage are set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, which has been amended several times since. It does not speak of liquids alone, but of "liquids, aerosols and gels", or LAGs for short. The definition reads (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, Annex point 4.0.4):
"Liquids, aerosols and gels" (LAGs) shall include pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, such as toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, shaving foam and other items with similar consistencies.
The German Federal Police explain it like this: it covers all substances that are liquid, viscous, gel-like, creamy or of a similar consistency at room temperature. In case of doubt, the screening staff decide whether an item may be taken on board (Bundespolizei). The official EU portal "Your Europe" also names creams explicitly as an example (Your Europe).
The 100 ml rule as written
Liquids, aerosols and gels may be exempted from screening with liquid explosive detection equipment if they are in individual containers with a capacity not greater than 100 millilitres or equivalent in one transparent resealable plastic bag of a capacity not exceeding 1 litre, whereby the contents of the bag fit comfortably and the bag is completely closed (Annex point 4.1.3.1). According to the German Federal Police, one such bag is allowed per passenger (Bundespolizei).
Three details matter:
- What counts is the capacity of the container, not how much is in it. A half-empty 200 ml bottle is therefore not allowed.
- Exemptions apply to medicines and special food such as baby food needed during the journey, and to duty-free goods in the sealed security bag (Your Europe).
- Outside the EU different rules may apply. The German Federal Police advise checking the rules of the destination or transit country before you fly (Bundespolizei).
New scanners: what the regulation says
Some airports use new equipment that screens hand luggage in three dimensions. The regulation requires liquids to be taken out of hand luggage before screening, unless the equipment can also screen multiple closed LAG containers inside baggage (Annex point 4.1.2.2). For certain older devices of this type approved before 1 August 2024, the regulation states explicitly: they may only be used for containers of up to 100 ml (Annex point 12.4.2.10, inserted by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2108).
Which equipment an airport uses and what applies there cannot be seen from the outside. So plan with the 100 ml rule and check with the airport or airline if you want to take larger amounts. When changing planes, the stricter rule may apply again at another airport.
How each product form is classified
The table classifies typical product forms against the definition. It is a guide, not a promise: at the airport, the screening staff decide.
| Product form | Consistency at room temperature | Classification under the definition | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid bar of soap | solid | usually not an LAG | pack dry in your hand luggage |
| Solid stick (lip care, solid sunscreen in a tube) | solid | usually not an LAG; borderline for very soft sticks | if unsure, into the bag |
| Solid cream in a tin | solid, softens with skin warmth | borderline; can be classed as creamy | into the bag if the container holds up to 100 ml |
| Balm or salve in a jar | spreadable, paste-like | falls under "pastes" | into the bag |
| Deodorant cream | creamy | falls under LAGs | into the bag |
| Oil, serum, gel | liquid or gel-like | LAG | only up to 100 ml in the bag |
So water-free does not automatically mean "not a liquid". A body oil is water-free and still liquid. What water-free means exactly is explained on the page Water-free, low-water, anhydrous. The difference between salve, balm and cream is described on the page Salve, balm, butter, cream.
Practical travel tips
- Choose small containers: travel sizes and small tins fit in the bag and leave room for toothpaste and the like.
- Borderline items into the bag: put solid creams and balms in the bag if there is room. That way you don't have to explain anything at the checkpoint.
- Solid soap and hard sticks can go into your hand luggage as normal.
- Think about heat: in the car or in the sun, solid products soften. Tips are on the page Storing solid cosmetics.
- Larger amounts in the suitcase: the large aloe serum or an oil over 100 ml belong in checked baggage, tightly closed.
- Sun protection at your destination: once you reach the beach, the page SPF, UVA and water resistance explained helps you make sense of it.
Frequently asked questions
Does solid sunscreen count as a liquid?
A solid stick in a tube is usually not a liquid under the definition, because it is solid at room temperature. If it softens in the heat, the screening staff may classify it differently. A mini size in the bag keeps you on the safe side.
Can I take solid soap without a bag?
A bar of soap is solid and does not usually fall under liquids according to the definition. There is no guarantee, as the screening staff decide in case of doubt.
Does the amount count in grams or in millilitres?
The regulation refers to 100 millilitres "or equivalent" and to the capacity of the container. So what matters is the container, not the amount inside. In case of doubt, the screening staff decide.
Does the 100 ml rule still apply?
Yes, it is in the current version of the regulation. At airports with certain new scanners, liquids can stay in your bag. Whether larger containers are allowed there depends on the equipment and the airport.
What happens if screening classes a cream as a liquid?
If it doesn't fit into the bag, or the container is larger than 100 ml, you cannot take it in your hand luggage.
At forpeople
The Solid Sunscreen SPF50 Mini (20 g, €9.90) is a stick in a paper tube without plastic coating. The Aloe Vera Soap – Lavender (75 g) is a solid bar and travels well in the Aluminium Soap Tin with Drainage Grid. The Solid Hand Cream - Beeswax (30 g) is solid but softens with skin warmth; it is one of the borderline cases and is best packed in the bag. The same goes for the Beeswax Salve Larch & Mandarin in a Glass Jar (50 g). The Aloe Vera Serum 99.6% is a liquid; the 50 ml bottle fits in the bag, the large 250 and 300 ml bottles belong in your suitcase.
Read more: Solid cream or tube · Water-free cosmetics · Hygiene and water-free cosmetics · Mineral sunscreen for children
Sources
- Durchführungsverordnung (EU) 2015/1998 der Kommission vom 5. November 2015 zur Festlegung detaillierter Maßnahmen für die Durchführung der gemeinsamen Grundstandards für die Luftsicherheit, Anhang Nr. 4.0.4, 4.1.2.2, 4.1.3.1 und 12.4.2.10. ABl. L 299 vom 14.11.2015, S. 1; konsolidierte Fassung vom 1.10.2026. eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2015/1998/oj
- Bundespolizei: Flüssigkeiten an Bord (abgerufen am 30.09.2026). bundespolizei.de/…/fluessigkeiten-an-bord
- Europäische Union, Your Europe: Gepäckbeschränkungen, zuletzt überprüft am 16.06.2026 (abgerufen am 30.09.2026). europa.eu/youreurope/…/luggage-restrictions
