BEIJING, June 28 -- The Chinese government announced Friday to raise the duty-free shopping quota for mainland visitors to Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

The Chinese mainland has consulted with Hong Kong and Macao under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) to reach the decision, which will be included in the CEPA's trade in goods items, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong signed the CEPA on June 29, 2003, followed by the CEPA between the mainland and Macao signed later that year on Oct. 17.

A notice jointly released by the Ministry of Finance, the General Administration of Customs and State Taxation Administration said that the new policy will apply to adult visitors entering from Hong Kong and Macao whose personal belongings obtained overseas have a total value of no more than 12,000 yuan (about 1,683.8 U.S. dollars).

At ports with duty-free shops, the cap will be raised to 15,000 yuan, the notice added.

The measures will first be implemented at six ports, including Luohu, Futian and Shenzhen Bay, on July 1. Starting from Aug. 1, the measures will be extended to all entry points, except Hengqin port, the notice said.

Relevant provisions on carrying luggage items by passengers who travel to and from Hong Kong and Macao multiple times in a short period of time, as well as other existing provisions, remain unchanged, it said.