China Bans Uncertified or Recalled Power Banks on Aircraft for Safety Reasons
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has announced a new measure effective this Saturday: passengers boarding domestic flights in China will not be allowed to carry power banks without the national safety certification mark, nor devices recently recalled from the market due to safety concerns.
A Direct Response to Recent Incidents
This decision follows a series of global incidents involving overheating lithium battery products, including power banks, during flights. Safety concerns have grown, particularly after a fire on an Air Busan plane in January—possibly caused by a spare power bank—raised alarms in the region. In March, a Hong Kong Airlines flight from China was forced to make an emergency landing after a fire broke out in the overhead luggage compartment.
The Latent Risk of Lithium Batteries in Flight
Lithium batteries, found in devices such as laptops, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, and power banks, can produce smoke, fire, or extreme heat if they have manufacturing defects or damage leading to short circuits. Such incidents represent a growing concern for aviation safety, especially as passengers carry more electronic devices onboard.
According to data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in 2024, there were three incidents globally every two weeks related to lithium battery overheating on aircraft. This contrasts with 2018 figures, when the average was fewer than one incident per week.
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The New Requirement: Mandatory “3C” Certification
The CAAC has specified that all power banks carried by passengers must display the “3C” certification mark, which stands for China Compulsory Certification. This mark is mandatory for all products that could impact health, safety, or the environment in the country.
The announcement comes amid additional pressure on manufacturers. So far this month, major Chinese brands like Anker and Romoss have recalled entire product batches due to safety concerns. Moreover, China’s market regulator has revoked or suspended the 3C certification of several power bank and battery cell manufacturers.
Tighter Restrictions Globally
Following the Air Busan incident, airlines worldwide have begun tightening regulations on the transport and use of power banks onboard. Although civil aviation rules already stipulate that these devices must be carried in hand luggage, several airlines now prohibit their use during flights and require them to remain visible for quick detection of potential issues.
China, for its part, banned passengers from charging devices using power banks during flights in 2014. Now, it is taking further steps to enhance aviation safety. Even in the U.S., Southwest Airlines became the first carrier in the country to require, in late May, that any portable charging device remain visible while in use during a flight.
China’s measure not only addresses an immediate need to protect passengers but also reflects a global trend toward stricter controls on lithium battery transport in commercial aviation.
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