Effective 27 March 2026, new global safety regulations for portable power banks issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have come into force, introducing stricter rules for passengers carrying power banks on both international and domestic flights. The primary aim is to reduce the risk of safety incidents caused by lithium batteries.

The new regulations set out clear mandatory requirements:

01. Quantity and Capacity

▪️ Each passenger may carry no more than 2 power banks.

▪️ The capacity of each power bank must NOT exceed 20,000 mAh.

▪️ All power banks must be carried in hand luggage only and they are strictly prohibited in checked baggage.

02. Product Compliance

▪️ Power banks must display a clear 3C certification mark.

▪️ Labels must be complete, legible, unobscured and not covered by stickers.

▪️ Devices must be free from damage, swelling, deformation or leakage.

▪️ Modified, homemade or recalled models are NOT permitted.

03. In-Flight Usage Rules

▪️ Charging is prohibited at all times during the flight:

– Power banks must not be used to charge mobile phones, laptops or other devices.

– Power banks must not be charged via in-seat USB ports.

▪️ Power banks should be kept in the seat pocket or under the seat, and must NOT be placed in the overhead locker.

These new rules form part of the supplement to the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284), applying uniformly across its 193 member states. They represent a further upgrade to previous guidance from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reflecting worldwide concern over aviation safety risks associated with lithium batteries.

Passengers are advised that, in addition to complying with these general regulations, they should confirm requirements with their airline before departure, as individual carriers may impose additional restrictions. This will help avoid disruption to travel plans related to power bank regulations.

Contact us for more travel information.