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Flying is set to get a whole lot uglier.

New regulations on carry-on luggage designed to combat the terror threat will restrict the type of cosmetics Australians can take on international flights.

Federal laws will come into force next month banning liquids, gels or aerosols from being taken on board in containers greater than 100ml.

Passengers will be required to pack their essentials in one zip-lock clear plastic bag no greater than 1 litre in capacity – and stow everything else in checked baggage.

It follows a crackdown on airports in the UK and US in August last year, with fears a new generation of liquid explosives could be mixed in plane bathrooms and then detonated.

Bottles of water, canned drinks, large tubes of toothpaste, full-sized deodorants, large tins of hairspray, tubs of face cream and large tubes of foundation will also be banned.

However, in a boost for airport shops, passengers can buy these items once clear of the checkpoint.

Existing airport screening machines can detect many types of chemicals but experts say there are difficulties in distinguishing hair gel from explosives.

Security staff from airports around the country are being trained how to implement the new laws.

The Department of Transport and Regional Services has been liaising with community groups – in particular the Cancer Council – to make sure sick people are not discriminated against.

The Daily Telegraph understands security staff will be instructed to allow some leeway – including not insisting women who have had a mastectomy remove a silicon gel bra, and not denying access to people with colostomy bags.

The department has released a list of banned items ahead of the program's roll-out by Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile at the APEC transport ministers conference next month.

"The world has changed over recent years and Australia's security arrangements need to change accordingly," Mr Vaile said.

"The Australian Government recognises these restrictions will affect the industry and the travelling public but we will always put the public's safety first."

When similar restrictions were introduced overseas, significant delays were experienced by people at checkpoints.

Sydney airport refused to comment on whether delays were expected.

Federal authorities are also investigating whether the restrictions should be applied to domestic flights.

What's on the banned list

Any liquid, gel or aerosol in a container greater than 100ml/100g will be banned on international flights after March 31. This includes:

• Any drinks in cans, bottles, plastic containers
• All cosmetics and toiletries in liquid/gel form, for example:
• Fragrance and perfume
• Creams
• Liquid foundations and lip gloss
• Mascara
• Toothpaste
• All products in pressurised containers eg. Hairspray and shaving foam/gel
• Deodorants
• Toys with liquid or gel, including large snow cones

Any liquid-based food products in packets, tubes, plastic or tin containers, for example:

• Jams and syrups
• Sauces
• Pastes
• Yoghurts
• Soups
• Stews or curry

Exceptions:

• Empty containers such as flasks or mugs
• Talcum powder
• Contact lenses and contact lens solution
• Essential prescribed medicine such as insulin (name on prescription must match boarding pass)
• Essential nonprescribed medicine (such as cough syrup)
• Medical devices
• Baby products, including juice, milk, sterilised baby water, baby food in liquid, gel or paste form, baby food powder