China Implements Strict Ban on Non-Compliant Power Banks for Domestic Flights Starting June 28: Here’s What Passengers Need to Know!
Thursday, June 26, 2025
In an effort to enhance aviation safety, China has announced a new regulation banning the carrying of non-compliant power banks on all domestic flights starting June 28, 2025. This decision, made by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), is a direct response to a surge in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries that have raised significant concerns regarding in-flight safety.
The new policy mandates that all power banks brought onto domestic flights must bear the 3C certification, a mark of compliance with China’s Compulsory Certification standards for electronic products. This move is aimed at eliminating potential fire hazards posed by substandard or faulty portable chargers, particularly lithium-ion batteries, which have been involved in several in-flight emergencies.
The Need for Change: A Growing Safety Concern
The 3C certification is China’s regulatory standard that ensures electronic products meet safety guidelines. Under the new rule, any power bank lacking this certification, exhibiting unclear labeling, or linked to product recalls will be prohibited from boarding flights. This decision follows a worrying increase in incidents involving overheating, smoke, or combustion of power banks on aircraft. Such occurrences have led to mid-flight emergencies, putting both passengers and crew at risk.
As lithium-ion batteries are known to be sensitive cargo, any malfunctioning or faulty batteries are particularly dangerous when confined to the pressurized environment of an aircraft cabin. This growing number of incidents has sparked greater regulatory scrutiny, leading to the imposition of more stringent safety measures.
The Catalyst for Change: Product Recalls from Major Brands
A key factor driving the CAAC’s decision is the rising number of product recalls by several prominent Chinese power bank manufacturers in recent months. For example, on June 16, 2025, Shenzhen Romoss Technology, a leading fast-charging device manufacturer, recalled approximately 490,000 units of three different power bank models due to potential overheating and combustion risks. By June 20, the company’s 3C certification had been suspended, and affected products were removed from major online stores such as Douyin (China’s version of TikTok).
Similarly, Anker Innovations, another well-known brand, faced a recall of 1.15 million units of its power banks in the United States on June 13, followed by an additional 710,000 units in China. These recalls were linked to unauthorized changes in the battery materials, which could degrade the safety of the devices after prolonged use.
Other notable brands such as Baseus and Ugreen also faced issues related to faulty power bank designs, with certain models losing their 3C certification after being found to pose safety hazards. The recall notices have added urgency to the need for stricter regulations, especially concerning the transport of lithium-ion powered devices.
Strengthening Flight Safety: New CAAC Directives
In addition to banning non-compliant power banks from flights, the CAAC has issued new directives aimed at improving safety procedures at airports and onboard aircraft. These directives focus on strengthening inspection processes at airports, ensuring that both passengers and airline staff are aware of the risks associated with non-compliant power banks.
Airport and airline staff will receive special training designed to help them identify uncertified products and handle battery-related emergencies. These measures are intended to reduce the chances of power bank-related incidents occurring during flights. In addition, public awareness campaigns will be rolled out to inform travelers of the new rules and the potential dangers of carrying non-compliant portable chargers onto planes.
Understanding the Risks of Non-Compliant Power Banks
The risks associated with non-compliant power banks are well-documented. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in portable chargers, are known to overheat or even catch fire under certain conditions. When improperly designed or damaged, these batteries can malfunction, leading to dangerous situations. The confined and pressurized environment of an airplane makes it particularly challenging to manage such incidents.
Overheating power banks are a serious concern because, in some cases, they can release toxic gases or cause fires, which could spread quickly in an enclosed space. These types of incidents can be catastrophic, especially during flight when emergency response times are limited.
The CAAC’s new regulations are designed to ensure that only safe, certified power banks are allowed onboard. The 3C certification guarantees that the power banks meet stringent safety standards, reducing the likelihood of malfunction during flights.
Global Trends: The Growing Focus on Battery Safety
China is not alone in recognizing the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries on aircraft. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been addressing battery safety for years. Over the past few years, various countries have introduced their own measures to ensure the safe transport of lithium-ion batteries. This has included restrictions on carrying power banks in checked luggage and limiting the size of batteries that can be brought into carry-on bags.
For example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has implemented regulations that prohibit power banks in checked luggage and impose limits on the watt-hour capacity of batteries in carry-on baggage. Similarly, Europe’s European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued guidelines recommending that power banks be carried in cabin luggage only and be equipped with overcurrent protection to prevent potential malfunctions.
While the new CAAC regulations are aimed specifically at domestic flights within China, they are likely to set a precedent for similar actions in other countries, particularly as the demand for portable charging devices continues to grow globally. As lithium-ion batteries become more prevalent in consumer electronics, the importance of ensuring their safety in aviation environments becomes even more crucial.
Looking Ahead: Improved Safety and Awareness
The CAAC’s new policy is expected to lead to better safety standards for air travel in China. The move to ban non-compliant power banks is a significant step toward preventing accidents caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries. By requiring 3C certification, the CAAC is ensuring that only safe, tested power banks are allowed on planes, reducing the likelihood of in-flight emergencies.
Airlines and airports will also benefit from the new training and inspection protocols, which will help them more effectively manage the risks associated with portable chargers. With increased awareness of the dangers posed by non-compliant devices, travelers will be better informed about the importance of using certified power banks when flying.
Conclusion: Enhanced Aviation Safety Through Stricter Regulations
In conclusion, China’s new regulations banning non-compliant power banks on domestic flights represent a significant step toward improving aviation safety. With the rise of lithium-ion battery incidents, it is clear that more stringent regulations were necessary to protect passengers and ensure safe air travel.
As China continues to lead the way in battery safety standards, the CAAC’s actions will likely influence other countries to adopt similar policies, fostering a safer environment for air travel worldwide. By certifying power banks and other portable charging devices, China is setting an example of how rigorous safety measures can be implemented to ensure a smooth, safe journey for all passengers.
Travelers are urged to check their devices for the 3C certification before flying, as this simple step will help prevent potential safety hazards and contribute to a safer flying experience for everyone.
Tags: Asia tourism news, aviation safety China, Beijing, Beijing tourism news, caac, china, China Tourism News, China Travel News, Chinese Tourism news, domestic flights China, Lithium-ion batteries, power bank regulations, shenzhen, Shenzhen Tourism News
