China Bans Uncertified & Recalled Power Banks on Flights

New Rule Effective from Saturday (China bans uncertified)

China’s Civil Aviation Administration has banned:
- Power banks without “3C” (China Compulsory Certification) mark.
- Power banks recalled by manufacturers due to safety concerns.
Applies to all passengers boarding flights in China.

Reason Behind the Ban (China bans uncertified)

Follows multiple global incidents of power banks overheating on planes.
- Jan 2024: Suspected power bank fire on Air Busan flight (South Korea).
- Mar 2024: Fire forced emergency landing of a Hong Kong Airlines flight.
Lithium batteries pose fire, smoke, and overheating risks if damaged or faulty.

Rising Threat

FAA data shows:
- 3 lithium battery incidents every 2 weeks in 2023.
- Only 1 per week in 2018 – a sharp rise.

What Is ‘3C’ Certification?

Mandatory Chinese safety mark for products that affect:
- Health
- Safety
- Environment
Several manufacturers like Anker and Romoss recently recalled batches of power banks.
Market regulator revoked/suspended 3C certifications of some battery makers.

Global Airlines Tighten Rules

Power banks must now be:
- Carried in cabin bags (not checked in).
- Kept visible during use (to monitor overheating).
Charging with power banks during flights has been banned in China since 2014.

Southwest Airlines (USA) now requires power banks to be visible if used during flight.