China Enforces Strict New Regulations on Power Banks at Airports

Travelers flying through China are being advised to check their power banks after a sweeping new regulation has led to widespread confiscations at airports nationwide. Under the new rules, power banks without a valid China Compulsory Certification (CCC) will be confiscated and discarded at security checkpoints.

The regulation, recently implemented across all domestic flights in China, aims to reduce fire risks associated with uncertified lithium battery products. The CCC, also known as 3C, is a mandatory safety and quality certification for electrical goods sold in China. Only power banks bearing this certification are now allowed onboard.

This sudden enforcement has taken many passengers by surprise, with thousands of uncertified power banks already seized and stockpiled at Chinese airports. Many of the confiscated devices were manufactured prior to 2023, before the CCC requirement was widely adopted for these products.

A recent inspection conducted by China’s market regulation authority revealed troubling results: out of 149 batches of power banks tested, 65 failed to meet safety standards.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has reiterated that only CCC-certified power banks may be carried in hand luggage. Passengers are encouraged to verify their devices before travel to avoid inconvenience.