What’s changed as of June 28, 2025:
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued a firm rule: any power bank without a clear “3C” certification logo—or one that is illegible, counterfeit, or has been recalled—is banned on all domestic flights.
The “3C” mark(China Compulsory Certification) is now the only valid safety certification recognized by Chinese aviation authorities.
Therefore, even well-known brands like Anker or Romoss can be rejected if their 3C marking is weak, missing, or tied to a recall.
What You Must Know Before You Fly
- Carry-on only: Power banks must be kept in your carry-on baggage or personal item—not checked luggage.
- Capacity limits:
- Up to 100 Wh — allowed without approval.
- Over 100 Wh — strictly forbidden.
- No in‑flight use: Even certified power banks must remain switched off and cannot be used during flight due to fire risk in pressurized cabins.
- Preparation and screening:
- Airports will display signage and announcement reminders.
- Additional staff will check power-bank labeling carefully.
- Many airports now offer “drop-off” bins or short-term storage for non-compliant banks, with some—like Shenzhen—offering free 7-day storage.
- If a power bank is recalled, you may qualify for a refund or replacement and leave the item behind following proper procedures at airport counters.
Before You Book: What You Should Do
- Inspect your power bank
- Look for a crisp, embossed 3C logo. No logo = unusable.
- If available, scratch off the label to check the hidden anti-counterfeit QR code and verify online via the China Quality Certification Center.
- Check capacity
- Confirm the Wh rating is ≤ 100 Wh.
- Avoid carrying capacity > 100 Wh—those are not allowed at all.
- Stay updated
- Check for product recalls via China’s State Administration for Market Regulation site (“Consumer Product Recalls”) to avoid unknowingly traveling with a disqualified bank.
- Label it
- Ensure the battery voltage, watt‑hours, and certification labels are clearly printed and legible.
- Switch it off
- Once past airport security, keep it powered off during the entire flight.
Smart Strategies & Alternatives
Option 1: Buy a 3C‑Certified Bank in China
If your current one is uncertified or questionable, it’s often easier to purchase a new, certified bank locally. Electronics shops and airports stock approved models with clear 3C labels and accurate capacity info.
Option 2: Use Power Bank Rental Services
Power bank rental services are available at almost every corner of the cities in China, allowing you to rent a power bank for a few hours or an entire day. These power banks are typically available for quick charging of your phone, tablet, or other devices while you’re out and about. The idea behind this service is simple: if you’re running low on battery, you can easily rent a power bank from a station, use it, and then return it to any participating station when you’re done. That means you don’t even need to bring your own power bank with you when traveling in China.
Option 3: Drop-Off or Ship
If you have an uncertified or recalled bank:
- Leave it at the airport storage/drop‑off location.
- In Shenzhen, your item will be stored for one week free, then disposed if unclaimed.
- Some airports support courier delivery, but SF Express does not accept power banks—arrange by yourself.
In Summary
By enforcing 3C certification, verifying watt-hour limits, banning in-flight use, and offering traveler-friendly disposal options, China aims to curb lithium-battery incidents seen worldwide. If you’re heading to China soon:
- Confirm your power bank has a real, visible 3C mark
- Check and respect capacity rules
- Switch it off before boarding
- Consider buying a certified one locally
- Use power bank stations or drop off non-compliant devices if necessary
Taking these steps will help you avoid delays or confiscation—and fly worry-free. Safe travels!