China is tightening its aviation safety regulations by banning passengers from carrying power banks without valid 3C certification on all domestic flights, effective June 28. The new rule comes in response to a growing number of incidents involving lithium-ion battery malfunctions, which have raised serious concerns about in-flight safety.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), passengers will no longer be allowed to board with power banks that lack proper 3C-certification, bear unclear labeling, or are part of a product recall. The 3C (China Compulsory Certification) mark is the country’s standard for electronic product safety and is mandatory for items such as portable chargers.
The urgency behind the ban stems from an alarming rise in reports of overheating, smoking, or even combusting power banks onboard flights. In several cases, these incidents forced emergency responses mid-flight. With lithium batteries already classified as sensitive cargo, these latest events have triggered regulatory scrutiny and sweeping safety measures.
A major driver of the policy change is the wave of recalls affecting leading Chinese power bank brands in recent weeks. On June 16, Shenzhen Romoss Technology—a top manufacturer of fast-charging devices—recalled 490,000 units of three different models due to potential overheating and combustion risks. By June 20, the company’s 3C certification had been suspended, and related products were pulled from its Douyin (Chinese TikTok) flagship store.
Another major brand, Anker Innovations, faced similar issues. The company recalled 1.15 million units in the United States on June 13, followed by an additional 710,000 units in China a week later. The recalls were linked to unauthorized changes in battery materials, which could degrade the product’s safety after extended use.
Other notable Chinese brands, including Baseus and Ugreen, also had some of their power bank models stripped of 3C certification in recent months. In each case, the national market regulator cited safety hazards associated with battery performance or design flaws.
In response, the CAAC has not only imposed the flight ban but also issued directives requiring airports and airlines to strengthen their inspection procedures. Staff are being trained to identify uncertified products and respond to battery-related emergencies more effectively.
Public awareness campaigns are also being launched to ensure that travelers understand the risks of using non-compliant portable chargers, particularly in pressurized cabin environments.
Photo by Evan Mahmud Shuvo
