In a move to bolster aviation safety, Chinese authorities will enforce a nationwide ban on uncertified power banks on all domestic flights starting 28 June 2025. The directive comes after a worrying string of in-flight fire incidents involving portable chargers, sparking concerns over passenger safety and product standards.
Travellers flying within China must now ensure their power banks carry the official China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark, or risk having the devices confiscated at security checkpoints—or worse, being denied boarding. This new mandate by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) highlights growing apprehension over the fire hazards posed by low-quality or counterfeit charging devices.
Devices Without Certification Will Be Confiscated
The CAAC announced that only power banks with visible and legible CCC labels will be permitted onboard. Any charger with a faded label, or one that falls under an official recall, will automatically be deemed non-compliant. Authorities cited multiple past incidents where portable chargers caught fire or emitted smoke during flights, forcing emergency landings and causing panic among passengers.
In one alarming case on 31 May, a China Southern Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Shenzhen had to turn back just 15 minutes after take-off when smoke started billowing from a passenger’s camera battery and power bank. A separate flight by Hong Kong Airlines was diverted to Fuzhou earlier this year due to a fire breaking out in the overhead compartment—again suspected to be caused by a power bank.
These cases have prompted Chinese aviation regulators to take urgent action. Airports across China have now been ordered to tighten inspections, while airlines are launching campaigns to educate passengers about fire risks related to portable charging devices.
Chinese Brands Under Scrutiny for Battery Safety
The new rule also casts a spotlight on Chinese power bank manufacturers. Two well-known electronics brands, Anker and Romoss, have recently recalled over 1.2 million units, citing overheating issues that could pose serious fire hazards. Several other brands, including Baseus and Ugreen, have seen their CCC certification suspended or revoked.
With over 730 million domestic passengers taking to the skies in 2024, the potential scale of risk is significant. Even a small malfunction mid-air could lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially on full-capacity flights. The CAAC emphasised the urgent need for improved quality control and accountability from manufacturers.
Apart from product regulation, the authority has also recommended that airports enhance their in-terminal charging infrastructure to reduce the reliance on personal chargers.
Travellers Urged to Comply as Enforcement Begins
As enforcement begins, passengers are being urged to double-check their devices before heading to the airport. Power banks must not exceed specified watt-hour limits and should be hand-carried in cabin luggage rather than checked in. Airlines will reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone carrying unauthorised charging devices.
This clampdown aligns with wider global trends. Several Asian carriers, including Singapore Airlines and Korean Air, have also restricted the use of power banks during flights, even if they are allowed onboard. Singapore travellers heading to or transiting through China should be particularly mindful of this new regulation to avoid travel disruptions.
While the safety risks remain relatively low compared to other causes of in-flight emergencies, this move signals China’s intent to take no chances where aviation security is concerned.
Pro tip for travellers: If you’re unsure whether your power bank is certified, look out for the CCC logo and verify the product number online before packing. When in doubt, it’s better to leave it at home than to lose both your device and your flight.