Power banks without 3C certification banned on domestic flights

China's civil aviation regulator has announced a ban on power banks without a valid 3C certification, those with unclear 3C labels, or those subject to product recalls from being carried on domestic flights, as part of efforts to enhance aviation safety.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China said in an emergency notice that the new regulation will take effect starting Saturday.

The move comes amid a rising number of incidents involving fires and smoke caused by lithium battery products, including power banks, on board aircraft this year. Authorities said that in recent months, several leading power bank manufacturers have issued recalls for multiple product batches due to battery cell safety risks.

China's top market regulator, the State Administration for Market Regulation, has also revoked or suspended 3C certifications for several power bank and battery cell manufacturers, indicating potential quality and safety hazards among portable chargers commonly carried by passengers. These risks have posed increasing challenges to the safe operation of civil aviation, the CAAC said.

To further mitigate these risks, the CAAC will implement stricter management in line with international standards set by the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, the notice said.

The regulator urged airlines and relevant aviation authorities to strengthen passenger communication, enhance inspection protocols, optimize services, and refine emergency response plans to support the new policy.

Airlines and their agents should promote awareness about carrying substandard power banks and encourage passengers to comply with the new safety rules, the notice said.

Airports are also required to intensify safety messaging by leveraging broadcasting systems, digital displays and other channels to warn travelers about the risks and to publicize the updated regulations in key areas such as security checkpoints and check-in counters.