As of today, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has rolled out a nationwide ban on uncertified power banks aboard domestic flights, reinforcing its aviation safety protocols. Only power banks bearing a valid 3C (China Compulsory Certification) mark are permitted, with exceptions made for none. Devices with faded, missing, or counterfeit labels, as well as those flagged in recall notices, are also banned.
This regulatory update responds to a string of recent battery-related safety incidents, some involving smoke and in-flight fires. Investigations revealed that poorly manufactured lithium battery packs, often sold without 3C approval, were the primary cause of these dangerous episodes.
To protect air passengers and cabin crews, the CAAC is now applying stricter standards in accordance with the ICAO Technical Instructions on transporting dangerous goods by air. These changes bring China’s aviation guidelines closer to international best practices.
The State Administration for Market Regulation has already taken steps to support this enforcement by suspending several manufacturers’ 3C licenses. Consumers are urged to report sellers of non-compliant products to ensure broader public awareness and legal accountability.
Enforcement Measures at Airports and Airlines
Airlines and airport security units have been instructed to:
- Conduct rigorous screening of personal electronic devices
- Ensure clear communication through signage, app alerts, and flight notifications
- Display warning messages at baggage drop counters and entrance gates
- Provide support for passengers needing to dispose of non-compliant power banks
The CAAC has called on airlines to play an active role in passenger education, emphasizing the importance of purchasing certified, traceable devices. Passengers are encouraged to inspect the 3C label before packing chargers or external batteries, which must also comply with watt-hour (Wh) limits commonly imposed on lithium-ion battery transport.
This policy marks a firm step toward improving flight safety and eliminating dangerous, low-quality electronics from entering the aviation system.
