(Yicai Global) Nov. 28 -- China will lift the individual tax-free shopping cap almost twofold in its southern resort island of Hainan to CNY30,000 per year from its current CNY16,000, three state agencies have announced.

The country's finance ministry and customs and tax administrations issued their joint statement to such effect yesterday in Beijing.

Various household medical devices, including those for visual training, hearing aids, orthodontic fixtures and household respiratory support equipment (non-life support) have been added to the list of non-dutiable commodities in the tropical island province billed as 'China's Hawaii' -- which allows month-long visa-free visits -- and the purchase limit will be two units per person.

The new rule that applies to both domestic and foreign travelers will take effect from Dec. 1.

(Editor: Ben Armour)