China Implements Strict Power Bank Ban on Domestic Flights Amid Safety Concerns

Starting June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has enforced a new regulation prohibiting passengers from carrying power banks lacking the China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark, those with unclear 3C labels, or models subject to product recalls on all domestic flights. This measure, announced on June 26, 2025, responds to a series of in-flight incidents involving lithium battery products, particularly power banks, which have raised significant safety concerns due to risks of overheating, smoke, and fires. The CAAC’s decision aligns with international standards outlined in the “Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air” and aims to enhance aviation safety across China’s domestic routes.

The urgency of the ban stems from multiple incidents reported in 2025, including a notable case in March when a Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Hong Kong was diverted to Fuzhou after a power bank in an overhead compartment caused a fire. An investigation by the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety identified the power bank, manufactured by Shenzhen-based brand Romoss, as the source of the fire due to thermal runaway. Romoss had already initiated a recall of approximately 490,000 units of three specific models in early June, citing potential overheating risks under extreme conditions. Similarly, Anker Innovations, another major Chinese manufacturer, recalled over 710,000 power banks in China on June 20, following a recall of 1.15 million units in the United States on June 13, due to unauthorized changes in battery materials that could lead to safety hazards after extended use. Other brands, such as Baseus and Ugreen, have also faced 3C certification suspensions or revocations by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) due to battery performance and design flaws.

The CAAC’s new policy mandates stricter inspections at airports, with staff trained to identify non-compliant power banks and enhanced emergency response protocols. Airlines and airports are also required to increase public awareness through announcements, digital displays, and signage at security checkpoints. While the regulation currently applies only to domestic flights, passengers traveling internationally are advised to verify compliance to avoid confiscation or delays when departing from Chinese airports. Notably, international certifications like UL are not accepted as substitutes for the 3C mark, and only power banks with clear, valid 3C certification are permitted. The CAAC and SAMR have highlighted that non-compliant power banks, including those produced before August 2024 when 3C certification became mandatory, pose significant risks, prompting concerns about the continued sale of uncertified products on e-commerce platforms like Taobao and JD.com.

This ban reflects a broader trend among Asian carriers to tighten lithium battery regulations, following incidents like the January 2025 Air Busan fire in South Korea, which led to similar restrictions by airlines such as EVA Air and China Airlines in Taiwan. Travelers are urged to check power bank specifications, ensure 3C certification, and comply with existing rules limiting power banks to carry-on luggage with a maximum capacity of 160Wh (with airline approval for 100-160Wh units). By enforcing these measures, China aims to mitigate the growing threat of lithium battery-related incidents and ensure safer skies for all passengers.