Key Points
- The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) (Minhang Ju 民航局) has announced new rules for domestic flights, effective June 28, 2025.
- Passengers will be prohibited from carrying power banks that lack a 3C (China Compulsory Certification) marking, have an unclear 3C marking, or are part of a recalled batch/model.
- This crackdown is a direct response to a growing number of incidents involving power bank fires and recalls by major manufacturers due to faulty battery cells.
- Airports will implement stricter security checks, provide more charging facilities, and all staff will undergo enhanced training for these new policies and emergency responses.
- The regulation underscores the critical importance of 3C certification and supply chain diligence for all tech brands operating in China.
China’s new power bank rule is about to shake up domestic air travel, and it’s a crucial update for anyone flying within the country or operating in the consumer electronics space.
To put it simply: if your power bank isn’t properly certified, you can’t bring it on the plane.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) (Minhang Ju 民航局) just dropped an urgent notice, and the changes are happening fast.
Effective June 28, 2025, passengers on domestic flights will be prohibited from carrying power banks that fall into a few key categories. Let’s break it down.
Why the Sudden Crackdown on Power Banks?
This isn’t just red tape. The decision is a direct response to a growing safety problem.
There’s been a noticeable increase in incidents where power banks and other lithium-battery gadgets have caught fire or started smoking mid-air.
Adding fuel to the fire (pun intended), several major power bank manufacturers recently had to recall multiple product batches because of sketchy battery cells.
At the same time, the State Administration for Market Regulation (Guojia Shichang Jianguan Zongju 国家市场监管总局) has been pulling or suspending the 3C certification for a number of power bank and battery cell makers.
The takeaway is clear: the risk from low-quality power banks is real and growing, forcing the CAAC to take decisive action.
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The New Rules: Is Your Power Bank Banned?
Starting June 28, 2025, you cannot carry a power bank on a domestic flight in China if it:
- Lacks a 3C (China Compulsory Certification) marking. This is the big one. The 3C mark is a mandatory safety certification for many products sold or used in the Chinese market. No mark, no fly.
- Has an unclear or unreadable 3C marking. If security can’t read it, it’s considered non-compliant.
- Is part of a batch or model that has been officially recalled. Safety recalls mean the product is a known risk.
These new measures build on existing international air safety protocols, specifically the “Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.”
What This Means for Travelers: A Heads-Up for Your Next Flight
If you’re flying domestically in China, expect some changes at the airport.
Stricter Security Checks
Airport security is being told to ramp up inspections of all power banks. They will be actively looking for the 3C mark and checking for any signs of non-compliance.
Pro-tip: Check your power bank before you pack. If it doesn’t have a clear 3C logo, leave it at home.
More Guidance and Communication
Airlines and airports are launching a full-court press to get the word out.
- Expect to see warning signs and promotional materials at check-in counters and security checkpoints.
- Listen for announcements over the public address systems and look for messages on display screens.
- Airlines will deploy extra staff at security to help explain the new rules and guide passengers.
What If Your Power Bank Is Non-Compliant?
Airports are required to set up designated areas for passengers to either voluntarily discard or temporarily store a non-compliant power bank. They must provide clear instructions on how this process works, aiming to make it as painless as possible.
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How Airports and Airlines Are Leveling Up Their Game
The CAAC notice isn’t just about restricting passengers; it’s also about improving services and safety protocols across the board.
Better Charging Options: Airports are being urged to speed up the installation of more charging facilities in terminals, following the official “Guidelines for the Construction of Portable Electronic Device Charging Facilities in Terminals.” The goal is to make it easier for passengers to charge their devices without relying on potentially risky power banks.
Enhanced Emergency Training: Airlines and airports must step up training for all staff. This includes:
- Ensuring employees are experts on the new power bank policies to answer passenger questions accurately.
- Refining emergency response plans for lithium battery fires or smoke incidents.
- Improving staff coordination and response capabilities to handle any emergencies swiftly and correctly.
- Security Measures: Stricter inspections for 3C marks, active identification of non-compliant power banks.
- Passenger Communication: Warning signs, PA announcements, display screen messages, extra staff for guidance.
- Handling Non-Compliant Items: Designated areas for voluntary discard or temporary storage of banned power banks.
- Infrastructure Improvement: Increased installation of charging facilities in terminals.
- Staff Training: Enhanced training on new policies and emergency response for lithium battery incidents.
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The Bigger Picture: A Wake-Up Call for Hardware Brands & Investors
This move by the CAAC is more than just an aviation rule change; it’s a significant signal about product quality and regulatory enforcement in China.
For tech brands, especially those in consumer electronics, this highlights the non-negotiable importance of the 3C certification. It’s a critical gateway to market access and a fundamental requirement for consumer safety.
The fact that the State Administration for Market Regulation is actively revoking certifications sends a powerful message: quality control and supply chain diligence are paramount.
Investors and founders in the hardware space should see this as a clear indicator of China’s tightening standards. The days of cutting corners on compliance are over.
In short, this regulatory crackdown on power banks is a crucial development for anyone flying, manufacturing, or investing in China’s massive tech ecosystem. Understanding and adapting to China’s new power bank rule is essential for staying safe and compliant.
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