In response to a rise in fire-related incidents involving lithium battery-powered devices, Chinese aviation authorities have enforced a strict ban on uncertified power banks aboard domestic flights.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced on Wednesday that, effective June 28, passengers will no longer be allowed to carry power banks that lack the mandatory China Compulsory Certification (3C). Devices with unclear labeling or those linked to product recalls are also prohibited. The measure aims to bolster flight safety as overheating battery incidents continue to increase.
Read more: China Agrees to Reschedule $1.8 Billion Debt Amid IMF Commitments
This ban follows recent high-profile recalls of power bank models deemed hazardous. Earlier in June, Chinese electronics company Romoss was instructed to recall nearly 492,000 units of its 20,000mAh power banks after fire hazards were reported by various universities. These devices were manufactured between June 2023 and July 2024.
Likewise, on June 20, global tech firm Anker Innovations initiated a global recall of around 710,000 power banks due to concerns over battery cell defects that could potentially cause fires.
Since the beginning of 2025, multiple mid-flight incidents involving lithium battery devices emitting smoke or igniting have been reported in China. These incidents prompted urgent action from aviation regulators, who emphasized that faulty or substandard power banks can pose severe safety threats during flights—especially where options for fire control are limited.
Although the 3C certification for lithium-ion batteries officially becomes compulsory on August 1, the CAAC has chosen to implement the flight restriction earlier. This means any power bank without certification, including those bought before this ruling, will be disallowed on planes.
China’s move adds to a growing list of similar safety measures being adopted regionally. Airlines and regulators like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, EVA Air, and Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department have also released guidelines this year, including full bans or restrictions on using or charging power banks in-flight and storing them in overhead compartments.
Experts say these steps reflect a global push to tighten safety regulations as more passengers travel with personal electronic devices. According to Zhang Wei, an aviation safety expert in Shanghai, “Fires caused by lithium batteries are extremely difficult to contain mid-air. The CAAC’s early intervention is a necessary move that aligns with global aviation safety protocols.”
