China to Ban Non-Certified Power Banks on Flights Amid Rising Lithium Battery Safety Concerns

 Beijing, June 29:China's civil aviation authority will implement a nationwide ban beginning Saturday on passengers carrying power banks that lack Chinese safety certification or have been subject to manufacturer recalls due to safety risks. The move comes amid growing global concerns over the fire hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced the decision on Thursday, stating that all portable power banks brought aboard flights must bear the “3C” mark—short for China Compulsory Certification—which indicates compliance with national safety, health, and environmental standards.

The ban applies to all passengers boarding flights within China and follows a string of recent aviation safety incidents involving lithium batteries. In January, South Korea linked a spare power bank to a fire that broke out on an Air Busan aircraft. In a separate incident in March, a Hong Kong Airlines flight originating in mainland China was forced to make an emergency landing due to a fire in an overhead baggage compartment, reportedly caused by a battery-powered device.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in laptops, smartphones, e-cigarettes, and portable chargers, can pose serious risks if damaged or improperly manufactured. A short circuit in these batteries can lead to overheating, fires, or even explosions. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that, on average, three such battery-related incidents were recorded every two weeks globally in 2023—a sharp increase from under one per week in 2018.

The CAAC's move aligns with an international tightening of regulations surrounding battery-powered devices on flights. Airlines worldwide have updated policies in response to mounting incidents. Most aviation authorities already require power banks to be carried in hand luggage, not checked baggage. However, many carriers are now going further by restricting their use during flight and requiring devices to be kept visible to cabin crew.

China has prohibited the use of power banks for charging electronic devices onboard flights since 2014. The new regulation strengthens this stance by targeting uncertified or recalled products before they ever reach the cabin.

Several major Chinese manufacturers, including Anker and Romoss, have issued recalls this month for certain battery products over safety issues. In response, China’s market watchdog has revoked or suspended the 3C certification of a number of power bank and battery cell producers.

The CAAC emphasized that the latest measure is part of a broader initiative to enhance in-flight safety, particularly as passengers increasingly travel with multiple personal electronic devices.

In a parallel move in the United States, Southwest Airlines became the first major U.S. carrier in May to mandate that portable chargers must remain visible when in use during a flight, further reflecting the heightened vigilance across the aviation industry.

As air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, regulators and airlines are reinforcing safety protocols to keep pace with the rising volume and complexity of electronic devices passengers bring onboard.