A Lighter and Matches [File Photo:tsa.gov]

An updated regulation by China's Administration of Civil Aviation will allow passengers to carry a cigarette lighter or a box of matches aboard domestic flights in their carry-on luggage.

However, under the new plan to be introduced on December 20, passengers will have to undergo separate security checks. Torch lighters will continue to be banned in carry-on luggage.

Taking a lighter or matches aboard a plane has been prohibited since the civil aviation authorities issued a notice in April this year, for the concern of explosive threats during the Beijing Olympics.

Meanwhile, the new policy also gives passengers permission to bring liquid in their carry-on luggage while on board a domestic passenger flight. The amount of liquid carried per person should not exceed 1,000 millilitres and the maximum cubage for every individual container ought to be within 100 millilitres.

The new policy also facilitates diabetics or other patients to board with liquid medicines. However, they must show doctor's prescriptions to security staff. The ban on liquid milk products is also lifted for passengers carrying a baby.

The previous regulations published by the Civil Aviation Administration of China on March 17, 2007, will still apply for passengers of international and regional flights.