China Implements Strict Regulations on Power Banks for Domestic Flights Due to Safety Concerns

Starting June 28, 2025, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport fully implemented new regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China regarding the carrying of portable chargers, also known as "power banks." According to the new rules, passengers are now prohibited from bringing non-compliant portable chargers onto domestic flights. In response to this ban, the Shenzhen Airport will offer a 7-day storage service for any non-compliant chargers. This regulatory change comes amidst rising safety concerns over lithium batteries, which are known for their inherent risks, especially when subjected to external factors like heat or pressure. Such conditions can lead to short-circuits, overheating, or even fires and explosions. The Civil Aviation Administration now bans all chargers without a valid China Compulsory Certification (3C) or that are on recall lists from being transported on domestic flights. However, foreign-manufactured chargers will not be subject to the same 3C and recall checks, as areas like Shenzhen Airport will adhere to previous standards for international flights. This has raised concerns regarding the safety of these chargers among the public. As of August 1, 2024, the National Market Regulation Administration will require all lithium-ion batteries and mobile power sources to have CCC certification, barring any unapproved products from being sold or used. Consumers are advised to purchase chargers from regulated sources and ensure they meet necessary certifications. Safety remains the paramount concern to protect the lives and property of passengers.

On June 28, 2024, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) enforced a strict regulation prohibiting travelers from carrying power banks that lack CCC certification, have unclear certification markings, or belong to recalled batches on domestic flights. This regulation comes in response to a concerning trend in which 15 incidents of power banks igniting or smoking onboard aircraft have been reported this year. Experts warn that such incidents pose significant risks in the confined spaces of aircraft cabins, where fire extinguishing resources are minimal. The CAAC's decision follows a May 31 incident where a China Southern Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing due to smoke from a passenger's power bank shortly after takeoff, and a June 13 incident on a Shanghai Airlines flight involving a similar occurrence. Legal expert Yue Shanshan indicated that starting August 1, 2024, any sales of non-compliant power banks will violate product quality laws, while consumers can continue using power banks purchased prior to this date if they have not been recalled. In light of the recent safety threats posed by substandard power banks, including hazardous smoke emissions, the CAAC is taking additional measures to ensure passenger safety. The regulations are part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality assurance of lithium-ion battery products, as the National Market Regulatory Administration reports rising defects in power banks, reaching a 44.4% non-compliance rate this year. The initiative aims to root out unsafe battery components that may come from illicit manufacturers using recycled battery materials, putting consumers at risk and contributing to the growing number of aviation safety hazards.

In response to new regulations implemented by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), airports have been intercepting large volumes of non-3C certified power banks since June 28, 2025. Following this directive, many power banks marked as 'airport intercepted' have surfaced on second-hand platforms, priced significantly low between 15 to 30 RMB. These power banks raise safety concerns, and when questioned about their sources, many sellers offer vague responses such as 'they are fine for normal use' or claim they are sourced through 'legitimate channels'. Meanwhile, the CAAC actively encourages airport security departments to intensify checks and prevent travelers from carrying non-compliant power banks onboard. The urgency of this situation was underscored on June 26, 2025, when the CAAC published an emergency notice enforcing new checks. Reports indicate that travelers are encountering problems with their power banks being confiscated, leading to a shared frustration on social media. Notably, major brands like Romoss and Anker have recently announced extensive recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of units due to safety issues linked with battery cells, urging even more scrutiny over power banks that are permitted on flights. In addition, as part of upcoming regulations due to take force later in 2025 and 2026 regarding lithium-ion batteries, consumers might find themselves compelled to purchase compliant products to avoid future complications during travel.

On June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued an emergency notification prohibiting passengers from carrying power banks that lack a valid 3C certification marking or those with unclear markings onto domestic flights. This regulatory change follows a series of incidents involving lithium battery products like power banks catching fire on airplanes earlier this year. The 3C certification (China Compulsory Certification) serves as a safety requirement in China, assuring consumers that the product meets national safety standards. The notification specifies that power banks must not only display a proper 3C marking but also adhere to specific energy capacity regulations to be allowed onboard. Power banks with a rated energy not exceeding 100Wh can be carried without needing airline approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior approval. Furthermore, travelers are limited to carrying a maximum of two power banks per person for those exceeding 100Wh. Power banks are strictly prohibited in checked luggage and must be carried in hand luggage. During the flight, passengers are not permitted to use power banks to charge electronic devices, and any power banks with an activation switch must remain turned off during the flight. The CAAC's new rules aim to enhance safety in response to growing concerns about battery-related incidents onboard aircraft.