An explosive detection system that can scan up to 2,500 parcels an hour has become the first of its kind to be approved by the US Transportation Security Administration.

The Rapiscan Systems RTT110 scans cargo on a conveyer belt to produce a 3D image evert second. The machine alerts human operators if it detects anything suspicious so the cargo can be inspected.

The RTT110 will undergo further field tests which it must pass before it can be formally qualified and put into use in the US. It has already been approved by the EU regulatory authority as well as those in Britain, Italy and France.

By February next year, all cargo shipments leaving, entering or travelling within the US must be screened by a product included on the latest TSA Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL).

Mal Maginnis, the president of Los Angeles-based Rapiscan, said: “We are very excited to be included on the ACSTL and the only approved CT EDS on the list.

“Our teams have worked extremely hard to create an exceptional product which we are all proud of. The technology has been designed to the highest quality to provide reliable and effective high-speed screening with many features ideally suited for the fast parcel industry and we are really pleased that our hard work is now being recognised.”