China's new restrictions on non-3C-certified power banks for domestic flights, including the background, rationale, and key details

Below is a clear explanation of China's new restrictions on non-3C-certified power banks for domestic flights, including the background, rationale, and key details:

🔍 1. Background and Effective Date

On June 26, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued an emergency notice banning non-3C-certified power banks from domestic flights effective June 28, 2025. This policy targets power banks lacking the China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark, those with illegible labels, or models subject to official recalls. The 3C certification became mandatory for all power banks sold in China after August 1, 2024.

⛔ 2. Types of Power Banks Now Banned

• Non-3C-certified: No CCC mark (a diamond-shaped logo with "CCC" in black/blue).
• Illegible/altered labels: Faded, scratched, or tampered 3C identifiers.
• Recalled models: Including specific batches from major brands like Anker (A1642) and Romoss (PAC20-392), which collectively recalled >1.2 million units due to battery defects.

💡 Note: Even with a 3C mark, recalled units or those with unclear capacity labels (e.g., missing Wh/mAh) are prohibited.

🔥 3. Why the Ban Was Implemented

• Safety incidents: In 2025 alone, 15 in-flight fires/smoke incidents linked to power banks occurred (up 100% YoY), including three mid-air diversions. Examples:
  • A China Southern Airlines flight (May 2025) returned to Hangzhou after a passenger's power bank/camera battery smoked.
  • A Hong Kong Airlines flight (March 2025) diverted due to an overhead-bin fire caused by a power bank.
• Product quality risks: Pre-2024 market surveys showed 44.4% of power banks failed safety checks (e.g., faulty cells, poor insulation). Recalls surged after suppliers like Amprius (Wuxi) provided substandard materials.
• Aircraft-specific hazards: Cabin pressure changes can increase lithium-battery fire risks by 300%; fires in confined spaces release toxic fumes and are hard to contain.

✈️ 4. Rules for International Travelers

• Domestic flights in China: 3C certification is mandatory.
• International/regional flights (e.g., from Hong Kong/Taiwan/Macau to mainland China): Original rules apply (no 3C required; ≤100Wh allowed without approval).
• Foreign-manufactured power banks: Permitted on domestic flights if structurally safe and clearly labeled, but not required to have 3C certification.

🛠️ 5. Options for Non-Compliant Power Banks

• Free airport storage: Major airports (e.g., Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou) offer 7–30 days of free storage with receipts.
• Return/recall programs: Brands like Anker provide refunds for recalled models; check via China’s State Administration for Market Regulation.
• Alternatives: Use airport charging stations (98% coverage) or rent certified shared power banks.

⚠️ Warning: Mailing power banks is restricted (e.g., SF Express refuses all power banks).

💎 In summary

China’s 3C rule combats rising air-safety risks from substandard power banks, enforced strictly since June 28, 2025. Travelers on domestic flights must verify certification/recall status; international passengers remain unaffected unless transferring domestically.