China Bans Uncertified and Recalled Power Banks on Domestic Flights

Key Takeaways

• China bans uncertified and recalled power banks on all domestic flights starting June 28, 2025.
• Power banks must have a clear China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark or be denied boarding.
• Over 1.2 million recalled portable chargers and recent inflight fires prompted this aviation safety rule.

China Bans Uncertified and Recalled Power Banks on Domestic Flights: What Travelers Need to Know

China 🇨🇳 has introduced a strict new ban on uncertified and recalled power banks on all domestic flights, starting June 28, 2025. This urgent move, announced by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), comes after a sharp rise in fires and smoke incidents linked to lithium battery products—especially power banks—onboard planes in recent months. With hundreds of millions of people flying each year, this policy will affect a huge number of travelers, airlines, and manufacturers.

Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to do if you’re flying within China 🇨🇳 after June 28, 2025.

What’s Happening?

The CAAC has banned all passengers and crew from carrying the following on domestic flights and business aviation departures from mainland China 🇨🇳:

• Power banks without a valid China Compulsory Certification (3C/CCC) mark
• Power banks with faded, unclear, or hard-to-read 3C labels
• Power banks that have been recalled by the manufacturer

This means that if your power bank doesn’t have a clear and valid 3C mark, or if it’s on a recall list, you can’t bring it onto a plane departing from China 🇨🇳. The rule applies to everyone—passengers and crew—on all domestic flights and business aviation flights leaving from mainland China 🇨🇳.

Why Is This Ban Happening Now?

The main reason for this new rule is safety. In 2025, there have been several serious incidents where power banks and other lithium battery products caught fire or produced smoke during flights. For example:

• On May 31, a China Southern Airlines flight had to turn back after smoke started coming from a passenger’s camera battery and power bank.
• In March, a Hong Kong Airlines flight was diverted because of a suspected power bank fire in the overhead compartment.

These events are not isolated. Over 1.2 million portable chargers have been recalled by major Chinese brands like Anker and Romoss in recent months due to battery safety risks. With a record 730 million people flying domestically in China 🇨🇳 in 2024, the risk of in-flight fires has become a major concern for aviation authorities.

The CAAC stated:
“These developments indicate that the power banks carried by passengers present safety and quality hazards, and the risks posed to civil aviation safety are growing.”

Who Is Affected by the New Rule?

• Passengers: Anyone flying on a domestic flight or business aviation departure from mainland China 🇨🇳 must follow the new rule. If you try to bring a non-compliant power bank, it will be taken away, or you may not be allowed to board your flight.
• Airlines and Airports: Airlines must check that passengers follow the rule and help spread the word. Airports will increase security checks and provide places for passengers to leave or store non-compliant power banks.
• Manufacturers: Companies making power banks face more checks and could lose their certification if their products are unsafe.

How Will the Ban Be Enforced?

The CAAC has ordered all airport security teams to step up checks for power banks that don’t have proper 3C certification. Here’s what will happen:

• At Security: Security staff will look for the 3C mark on all power banks. If the label is missing, faded, or hard to read, the power bank will be taken away.
• If Your Power Bank Is Recalled: Even if it has a 3C mark, if your power bank is on a recall list, you can’t bring it onboard.
• Temporary Storage: Airports will offer storage areas where you can leave your non-compliant power bank if you want to keep it, or you can choose to abandon it.
• Denied Boarding: If you refuse to give up a non-compliant power bank, you may not be allowed to board your flight.

What Is the 3C (CCC) Mark?

The 3C (China Compulsory Certification) mark is a safety label required for many electronic products sold in China 🇨🇳, including power banks. It’s similar to the CE mark used in Europe. The 3C mark shows that the product has passed safety tests and meets China’s standards.

• Valid 3C Mark: Must be clear, easy to read, and not faded.
• No 3C Mark or Unclear Mark: The power bank is not allowed on the plane.
• Recalled Products: Even with a 3C mark, recalled power banks are banned.

You can check if your power bank is recalled by visiting the manufacturer’s website or checking official recall notices from the CAAC or the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).

Step-by-Step Guide for Passengers

If you’re flying within China 🇨🇳 after June 28, 2025, follow these steps to avoid problems at the airport:

1. Check Your Power Bank Before You Travel
   • Look for the 3C mark on your power bank. It should be clear and easy to read.
   • Check if your power bank has been recalled. Visit the manufacturer’s website or check CAAC notices.
2. At the Airport
   • Be ready to show your power bank at security.
   • If your power bank doesn’t have a valid 3C mark or is recalled, you’ll need to leave it at a storage area or give it up.
3. Boarding the Plane
   • Only bring power banks that meet the rules. If you try to bring a banned power bank, you may not be allowed to board.

What Happens If You Bring a Non-Compliant Power Bank?

• Confiscation: Security will take away any power bank that doesn’t meet the rules.
• Temporary Storage: Some airports will let you store your power bank for a fee, so you can pick it up later.
• Denied Boarding: If you refuse to give up the device, you may not be allowed to fly.

Why Are Lithium Batteries a Concern?

Lithium batteries, which are used in most power banks, can catch fire or explode if they are damaged, poorly made, or have faulty parts. Fires caused by lithium batteries are hard to put out and can spread quickly, especially on a plane. This is why aviation authorities around the world have strict rules about carrying lithium batteries on flights.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the new policy in China 🇨🇳 is in line with international safety standards, such as those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air.

What Are Airlines and Airports Doing?

Airlines and airports in China 🇨🇳 are taking several steps to help passengers follow the new rule:

• More Safety Messages: Airports and airlines are using signs, digital displays, and announcements to remind passengers about the new rule.
• Staff Training: Airline and airport staff are being trained to answer questions and help passengers understand what’s allowed.
• Better Charging Facilities: Airports are adding more charging stations in terminals so passengers don’t need to rely on personal power banks as much.

What About Power Bank Manufacturers?

Manufacturers of power banks are under more pressure to make sure their products are safe and properly certified. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has already revoked or suspended the 3C certification for several companies whose products were found to be unsafe.

Major brands like Anker, Romoss, Baseus, and Ugreen have all faced recalls or certification problems in recent months. If you own a power bank from one of these brands, check their websites for recall information before you travel.

What Should Foreign Travelers Know?

If you’re visiting China 🇨🇳 and plan to fly domestically, you must follow the same rules. Even if your power bank is allowed in your home country, it must have a valid 3C mark to be carried on a domestic flight in China 🇨🇳. If your power bank doesn’t meet the requirements, you can bring it into China 🇨🇳, but you can’t take it on a domestic flight.

What About International Flights?

Right now, the rule only applies to domestic flights and business aviation departures from mainland China 🇨🇳. However, the CAAC may expand the rule to international flights in the future if safety problems continue.

How Does This Compare to Other Countries?

China 🇨🇳 is not alone in tightening rules on lithium batteries. Other countries in Asia, like South Korea 🇰🇷 and Singapore 🇸🇬, have also made their rules stricter in recent years. This shows a growing trend in the region to make air travel safer by reducing the risk of battery fires.

What Are the Main Challenges?

• For Passengers: Some travelers may not know about the new rule or may have older or foreign-made power banks without a 3C mark. This could lead to confusion or inconvenience at the airport.
• For Airlines and Airports: There is more work for staff, who must check every power bank and explain the rules to passengers.
• For Manufacturers: Companies must make sure their products are safe and clearly labeled, or risk losing their certification and being banned from flights.

What Should You Do Now?

• Check Your Power Bank: Before you travel, look for the 3C mark and check for recalls.
• Plan Ahead: If your power bank doesn’t meet the rules, leave it at home or be ready to store or give it up at the airport.
• Stay Informed: Check your airline’s website or the CAAC’s official notices for the latest updates.

For more information, you can visit the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s official website, which provides updates and detailed policy information.

Summary Table: Key Points of the New Policy

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

The CAAC may make the rules even stricter or expand them to cover international flights if more incidents happen. Airports may use new technology to spot non-compliant power banks more easily. Other countries may also follow China’s lead and make their own rules tougher.

Final Takeaways

• Always check your power bank for a clear 3C mark before flying within China 🇨🇳.
• Stay updated on recalls by checking manufacturer and CAAC notices.
• Be ready for more checks and possible changes to the rules in the future.

By following these steps, you can help keep yourself and others safe while traveling and avoid any problems at the airport. If you have questions, check with your airline or visit the CAAC’s official website for the latest information.

For More Information

• Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Official Website
• State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) Official Website
• Manufacturer websites (Anker, Romoss, Baseus, Ugreen) for recall details

Stay informed and travel safely!

Learn Today

China Compulsory Certification (3C) → A mandatory safety mark certifying products meet China’s safety standards for electronics like power banks.
Power Bank → A portable battery device used for charging electronic gadgets on the go, containing lithium batteries.
Recall → The official withdrawal of a defective or unsafe product by manufacturers due to safety concerns.
Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) → China’s government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation and enforcing safety standards.
Lithium Battery → A rechargeable battery type widely used in portable electronics, which can pose fire risks if damaged or faulty.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting June 28, 2025, China prohibits uncertified or recalled power banks on domestic flights to improve safety amid rising battery fire incidents and recalls affecting millions of travelers and manufacturers.
— By VisaVerge.com