BEIJING — China will limit the packaging of two festival snacks to three layers to curb waste and lower costs, according to new requirements unveiled by the country's top market regulator on May 26.

Precious metals and rosewood should no longer be used to wrap sticky rice dumplings and mooncakes, which are traditional delicacies and popular gifts of China's Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, respectively, said the State Administration for Market Regulation in the latest revision to the national standard.

Given the requirements set to take effect on Aug 15, the packaging size of sticky rice dumplings will be reduced by 58 percent, while that for mooncakes will be slashed by 42 percent.

The administration said it was well-informed of suggestions from industry associations, companies, and consumers in making the move, which aims at streamlining packaging while leaving enough time for companies to use up their stockpiled packaging materials.

The Dragon Boat Festival will fall on June 3, and the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept 10.