If you’re flying within China, think twice before packing your power bank. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has banned passengers from carrying power banks that lack a valid CCC certification or have been recalled for safety risks.
The move, introduced in late June 2025, has already led to widespread confiscations at airport security checks across the country.
Power banks under tighter checks at airports
The rule applies to all domestic flights. Only power banks with a clear, authentic CCC mark are permitted. Any device without the mark, or with a suspected counterfeit or unclear one, cannot be taken onboard.
This comes after a wave of recalls from major brands, including Romoss, Anker, Baseus, and Xiaomi, whose products were found to have battery cell defects that posed fire hazards. Regulators suspended or revoked the certifications of several battery suppliers involved.
Courier companies add stricter rules
It’s not only air travel. The courier industry has also started tightening its policies. In some cities, even power banks with a valid CCC mark are being refused for shipment. This reflects a wider push to close loopholes and prevent uncertified or unsafe products from circulating.
For expats and travellers, this means that mailing a spare power bank home, or ordering one online for delivery, may be more complicated than before.
Why this matters now
Behind these measures is a major overhaul of China’s battery safety regulations. On August 15, 2025, new certification rules for portable power supplies, lithium-ion batteries, and battery packs came into effect, raising the bar on safety compliance.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is drafting stricter national safety standards for power banks, expected to set tougher technical requirements in the near future.
What you need to know
Check your power bank: Make sure it has a genuine CCC mark. Without it, you risk losing it at airport security.
Travel light: If in doubt, consider leaving uncertified devices at home before heading to the airport.
Courier restrictions vary: Even certified power banks may be rejected by some couriers, so check with your provider before sending.
These new measures are part of a broader safety crackdown following high-profile recalls. While they may cause short-term inconvenience, regulators aim to reduce risks and improve consumer confidence in the long run.
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