Brussels, Sep 13 (DPA) The European Commission plans to restrict the amount of liquids allowed in carry-on baggage for air passengers as a new measure to step up security at European airports.

However, air passengers will still be allowed to carry small bottles of cosmetics such as shampoo or perfume as well as toothpaste in their hand luggage, European Union Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot told reporters Wednesday.

Figures on the maximum amount of liquids allowed are to be decided later this week, the commissioner said.

Duty free airport purchases have to be carried in sealed bags, Barrot added.

The commission's new move comes after British authorities last month said they had foiled an alleged plot to blow up US-bound planes using liquid explosives smuggled aboard.

The commission would seek to find a "reasonable solution" in order to balance security needs and the economic interest of airport operators and flight carriers, Barrot said.