Beijing, June 28 - China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has implemented a stringent ban on passengers carrying uncertified or recalled power banks on all flights departing from mainland China. This new regulation, aimed at enhancing aviation safety, prohibits power banks lacking the China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark, those with faded or illegible 3C labels, or models subject to recent manufacturer recalls due to safety concerns. The decision follows a series of global incidents involving lithium-ion battery products, particularly power banks, which have been linked to overheating, fires, and smoke emissions on aircraft, posing significant risks in confined cabin environments.
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The 3C certification is a mandatory safety standard in China, ensuring electronic products meet specific quality and safety guidelines. Power banks without this certification or with unclear markings are now barred from being carried in both carry-on and checked luggage. Additionally, any power bank models recalled by manufacturers, such as those from leading brands like Anker and Romoss, are explicitly prohibited. This year, Anker recalled over 710,000 units of seven models (A1642, A1647, A1652, A1680, A1681, A1689, and A1257) in China, while Romoss recalled approximately 490,000 units of three models manufactured between June 2023 and July 2024. These recalls were prompted by identified risks of overheating and potential combustion, particularly linked to faulty battery cells, including those supplied by U.S. company Amprius. Other brands, such as Baseus, Ugreen, Xiaomi, and Aukey, have also faced recalls due to similar safety issues, with some models losing their 3C certification after being deemed hazardous.
The CAAC’s decision was spurred by notable incidents, including a January 2025 fire on an Air Busan plane, where a spare power bank was identified as a possible cause, and a March 2025 incident on a Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Hong Kong, where a power bank caused a fire in an overhead baggage compartment. These events, combined with reports of 19 fire or explosion incidents involving Anker’s PowerCore 10000 model in the U.S., underscored the dangers of lithium-ion batteries when damaged or poorly manufactured. Such batteries can short-circuit, producing smoke, fire, or extreme heat, which is particularly hazardous in the pressurized environment of an aircraft. To enforce the ban, the CAAC has mandated enhanced inspection procedures at airports. Airline and security staff are undergoing specialized training to identify non-compliant power banks and handle battery-related emergencies effectively. Travelers risk confiscation of non-compliant devices at security checkpoints or even being denied boarding.
The CAAC has also directed airlines to launch public awareness campaigns to educate passengers about the new rules and the risks associated with substandard power banks. These measures align with global trends, as countries like South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore have similarly tightened restrictions on lithium-ion battery devices following safety incidents. For instance, South Korea limits passengers to five power banks with capacities up to 100 watt-hours, while Hong Kong and Singapore have banned their use during flights. This regulation reflects China’s proactive stance on aviation safety amid growing concerns about lithium-ion battery reliability. Travelers are advised to verify their power banks’ 3C certification and recall status before flying to avoid disruptions. The ban underscores the critical need for robust safety standards in the production and use of portable electronic devices, particularly as air travel continues to grow.