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China’s aviation regulator has introduced a sweeping ban on uncertified power banks aboard domestic flights, citing serious safety concerns linked to lithium battery fires. The new rules, which came into effect on July 5, 2025, will now restrict passengers from carrying power banks without valid China Compulsory Certification (3C) markings or with unclear labels, as well as any models subject to recent product recalls.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China told People’s Daily the move follows a rise in incidents globally, including 15 reported cases this year within China’s aviation sector. In one incident in January 2025, a fire broke out on an Air Busan flight due to a passenger’s power bank, causing damage to the aircraft.

China Compulsory Certification, also known as 3C certification, has been mandatory for power banks sold in China since August 2023. This certification ensures that devices meet national safety and quality standards, thereby reducing the risk of fire, electric shock, or overheating. However, China Daily has reported that a recent inspection by China’s market watchdog found 65 out of 149 power bank batches failed safety checks.

Planning to visit China and don’t want to be without a power backup for your devices?

• Be prepared to show clearly labelled 3C-compliant devices at security checkpoints.
• Power banks with a capacity of under 100Wh can still be carried on board; those between 100-160Wh require airline approval, while those with a capacity over 160Wh are outright prohibited.
• Non-compliant devices may be stored, mailed home, or voluntarily discarded at the airport, and secure recycling measures are in place to prevent unauthorised resale.

The regulator emphasised that lithium batteries, commonly used in power banks, remain a growing risk to aviation safety, especially under conditions such as high temperatures or impact. Several Chinese manufacturers, including Anker and Romoss, have recalled affected products. Globally, airlines are tightening their rules as well: some now require power banks to remain visible, while others are asking passengers not to use them during flights. The latter, which has become the new normal for many airlines this year, has been the norm in China for almost a decade, as in-flight charging was banned for Chinese carriers as early as 2014.

Source: [China Enforces 3C Certification For Power Banks On Flights: What It Means For Flyers] by SNEHA CHAKRABORTY, originally published on [Travel Leisure]