Mainland authorities on Sunday said they are improving tax refund policies for foreign tourists to boost inbound consumption.

Among the changes, the minimum amount that can trigger a refund for a traveller at the same tax-refund shop on the same day will be lowered from 500 yuan to 200.

The cash refund limit will also be doubled to 20,000 yuan.

More stores in shopping areas, scenic spots, airports and hotels will also be included in the tax refund regime.

At a press conference in Beijing, vice commerce minister Sheng Qiuping said the new measures can inject new momentum to boost consumption.

"For example, for our value-added tax regime, the refund rate for general goods is at 11 percent. That's effectively a ten percent discount," he told reporters.

"The improvements to the tax refund policies are conducive to allowing more groups to benefit from them, making the policies more effective."

Sheng also noted that there are not enough tax refund stores at the moment.

He said his ministry will work with other departments to ensure the quick implementation of relevant policies. (Additional reporting by Reuters)