China Power Bank Rules 2025: What Travellers Must Know Before Flying

A power bank is something many travellers carry without thinking. Tucked into a backpack or handbag, it’s ready to keep your phone alive on long layovers or during a day of sightseeing. But in China, that everyday travel essential has suddenly become a potential obstacle at the airport.

As of 28 June 2025, a new rule has taken effect for all domestic flights in China: only power banks with a visible 3C certification are allowed onboard. The change was announced with just two days’ notice, leaving many travellers unaware. Thousands of power banks have already been confiscated at security checkpoints.

If you are planning a trip to China, here is what you need to know.

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The 3C certification requirement for power banks

The 3C mark, short for China Compulsory Certification, is a safety and quality assurance label used in China for electronic products. Think of it as the local equivalent of the CE mark in Europe or the UL mark in the US. For power banks, this mark was only introduced in August 2023, which means that many devices currently in circulation (especially those bought before 2024 or overseas) likely do not have it.

Without this certification visibly printed on the power bank, it will not be allowed on domestic flights within China. This applies even if your power bank is well within the usual size or capacity limits.

Why most power banks made in China are still not allowed

You may think you’re safe because your power bank is from China (as most power banks are). But that does not guarantee it has the 3C certification. A product made in China for global markets still may not carry the certification required for domestic flights within China. In fact, many travellers have reported that their trusted power banks, even those bought from reputable local electronics stores or online platforms, were rejected at security checkpoints.

Unless your power bank was manufactured after mid-2023 and explicitly includes the 3C logo on its casing, it may not be accepted.

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How popular brands are affected

Even well-known brands like Anker are not exempt. Anker recently issued a recall of over a million power banks due to overheating concerns. Many of their earlier models do not carry the 3C logo, especially those sold outside of China. So while you may feel confident bringing a power bank from a big-name brand, it is still worth flipping it over and checking for the certification mark.

It’s important to remember that this rule is not about brand or price point, but the presence of a specific safety standard.

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Power bank size and battery capacity limits on flights

The existing rules on battery capacity still apply:

• Power banks must be in your carry-on luggage. Checked baggage is not allowed.

• Devices under 100Wh (watt-hours) are generally permitted if they are 3C-certified.

• Devices between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval in advance.

• Power banks over 160Wh are prohibited entirely.

If the Wh rating is not listed, you can calculate it using the formula:
Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000
For example, a 20,000mAh power bank at 3.7V equals 74Wh.

But even if the size is within limits, the 3C certification is now the deciding factor.

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Restrictions on power bank usage during flights

That depends on the airline. Many Chinese carriers have started restricting in-flight use of power banks, regardless of certification. This comes after a series of battery-related incidents on board, including a flight that had to return to the airport after smoke was detected from a passenger’s device.

Until policies are more clearly communicated, it is safest to avoid charging your devices mid-flight unless the crew confirms it is allowed.

How the rule may affect international flights

Officially, the rule applies to domestic flights within China. But several travellers departing on international flights from cities like Shanghai have also had their power banks confiscated. Enforcement may vary by airport and staff, so if you are flying into or out of China (even if not taking domestic flights) it is wise to follow the same precautions.

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Checklist for travellers flying with power banks in China

Here are a few tips:

• Check your power bank for a visible 3C mark. If it is not there, do not bring it.

• Keep your power bank in your carry-on, never in checked baggage.

• Stay under 100Wh unless you have written airline approval.

• Avoid using your power bank in-flight unless the airline allows it.

• If in doubt, consider buying a certified model locally in China.

Power banks have become essential travel tools, but they are now subject to tighter scrutiny. Incidents involving overheating batteries have raised real safety concerns. While the sudden rollout of the rule has caused confusion, the underlying aim is to create a safer travel environment for everyone.

If you are heading to China soon, a few minutes of checking your device now can save you trouble at the airport later.