This new regulation follows a series of fires and explosions involving power banks on flights.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), only power banks bearing the 3C mark are allowed on board. Devices with faded labels, unclear origins, or those on recall lists are prohibited. Passengers violating this rule risk confiscation of their power banks at security checkpoints and even denial of boarding.
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Power banks with the CCC logo (right) are now required for domestic flights in China. Photo: Visa for china |
Power banks with the CCC logo (right) are now required for domestic flights in China. Photo: Visa for china
The CAAC stated, "Recent fire and explosion incidents highlight the increasing risks associated with power banks, posing a serious threat to civil aviation safety." The administration also mandates stricter airport inspections and encourages airlines to raise awareness about fire hazards.
Furthermore, public charging stations in terminals will be upgraded to reduce the need for personal power banks.
In 2024, China recorded a record 730 million domestic air passengers. While most were local, international travelers also contributed. Several mid-air fire incidents following the pandemic were attributed to power banks. A China Southern flight on 31/5 was forced to turn back due to smoke from a passenger's power bank. Earlier, a Hong Kong Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Fuzhou due to a fire in the carry-on luggage compartment.
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Power banks are common travel companions. Photo: Amazon |
Power banks are common travel companions. Photo: Amazon
Airlines in Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong (China) have also banned the in-flight use of power banks, although they are still allowed in carry-on luggage.
Amid these concerns, several Chinese power bank brands like Anker, Romoss, Baseus, and Ugreen have had their certifications suspended or products recalled due to fire risks.
Nguyen Huu Cuong, General Director of Trang An Travel, a company organizing tours to China, explained that Vietnamese tourists can still bring power banks to China since Vietnam hasn't implemented the 3C certification. However, upon returning from China, devices lacking the 3C mark might be confiscated by airport security.
"Travelers should carefully consider bringing power banks without the 3C logo to China to avoid potential issues at the airport upon their return," Cuong advised.
The CCC is a mandatory certification required by China for various imported and domestically consumed goods. Products without the CCC mark are not permitted for circulation, sale, or use in the market of nearly 1.4 billion people.
The CCC certification is comparable to other quality and safety standardization systems like the CE marking in Europe.
Anh Minh (CNA, China-certification)
