China has postponed the decision to lift the ban on liquids, lighters and matches on board civil flights, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in an urgent notice on its website.

The move, which came only three days after the agency decided to lift the ban, was because of "practical situation and the need of work", the CAAC said in the brief notice, without elaborating.

The lifting was scheduled to be effective from Dec. 20.

To better protect flight safety, the agency issued new regulations in March and April this year, banning liquids, lighters and matches from carry-on luggage on aircraft. The ban included all baby food, cosmetics and medicine in quantities above 100 milliliters.

According to the CAAC regulations, passengers with an infant will need to apply in advance with the airline to provide them with formula or baby food free of charge.

Others are forbidden to carry any liquids on board. However, the CAAC said liquids could be put in luggage in the hold.

For cosmetics, those under 100 ml each will be allowed on but need to be put in separate bags.

Diabetics or other patients who need to carry liquid medicine should give them to flight staff to hold after clearing a security check.

The CAAC also asked passengers to remove their shoes for safety checks as part of a tighter security system ahead of the Olympics.