China Rolls Out Stricter Power Bank Rules on Domestic Flights Starting June 28

Travelers flying within China will now need to be more mindful of the power banks they bring along. Beginning June 28, new safety rules are in effect, banning certain portable chargers from domestic flights, especially those without the required 3C certification or those linked to past product recalls.

This move from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) comes as a response to an increasing number of in-flight incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, including cases where devices caught fire or emitted smoke. The new regulation is designed to reduce these risks and prioritize passenger safety.

To help travelers adjust, Chinese airports are stepping up their awareness efforts. Expect to see signs, hear public announcements, and receive guidance from trained airport staff. Security checks are also being tightened, with extra personnel assigned to assist passengers during check-in and security screening.

Special disposal or holding areas are being set up for power banks that don’t meet the new safety standards. In addition, the CAAC is encouraging airports to upgrade their charging stations, making sure travelers can still charge their devices safely while waiting for their flights.

Passengers are strongly advised to check their power banks before heading to the airport. Look for the official 3C mark, a certification that proves the device meets Chinese safety standards, and double-check if the model has been part of any recent recalls.

In fact, some of the increased attention stems from recent recall announcements by two major brands: Romoss and Anker.

Romoss recalled nearly 491,000 units made between June 5, 2023 and July 31, 2024, due to concerns about overheating battery materials. Shortly after, Anker also issued a recall for over 710,000 units of seven different models because of battery cell issues caused by a supplier's unauthorized material change.

Since these recalls, airports in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Changsha have reportedly ramped up inspections. Some airports are even banning certain recalled models entirely or requiring documentation for specific power banks.

As travel picks up this season, flyers are encouraged to double-check airline rules and power bank specifications to avoid delays or confiscations at the airport. Being informed now could save you a lot of hassle at the terminal.

Photo by Konstantinos Papadopoulos on Unsplash