Flying with power bank? China just banned these devices

Islamabad: Chinese authorities have imposed a sweeping ban on uncertified power banks aboard domestic flights, following a spate of fire-related incidents involving lithium battery-powered devices.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced that from June 28, passengers will not be allowed to carry power banks lacking China Compulsory Certification (3C), or those with unclear labelling or links to recalled models. The move, the administration said, is aimed at ensuring flight safety after a notable increase in incidents involving overheating batteries.

The decision comes in the wake of two major product recalls that raised concerns over the safety of widely used portable chargers. Earlier this month, Shenzhen-based Romoss was ordered to recall nearly 492,000 units of its 20,000mAh power banks after multiple universities in China reported fire risks associated with the devices. The affected models were produced between June 2023 and July 2024.

Similarly, Anker Innovations, a global electronics brand, recalled approximately 710,000 units of its power banks worldwide on June 20 due to potential fire hazards linked to battery cell materials.

According to the CAAC, since the start of 2025, several in-flight incidents involving lithium battery devices emitting smoke or catching fire have been reported, prompting urgent regulatory scrutiny. The agency underscored the dangers posed by unregulated or defective power banks, particularly during flights where fire suppression is limited.

Though 3C certification for lithium-ion batteries is only set to become mandatory from August 1, the aviation authority’s directive will take effect ahead of the deadline. This effectively bars even previously purchased power banks without certification from being carried on board.

The CAAC’s ban adds to a growing list of restrictions in the region. Several airlines and regulators, including AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, EVA Air, and the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, have issued similar advisories this year. These range from outright bans to prohibitions on using or charging power banks mid-flight or storing them in overhead bins.

Industry experts say the move signals an aggressive tightening of aviation safety standards in the face of technological proliferation and rising demand for personal electronic devices.

“Lithium battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish mid-air. The CAAC’s pre-emptive steps are in line with international safety standards,” said Zhang Wei, an aviation safety consultant based in Shanghai.