2025 China Power Bank Limits on Flights

Planning a trip or business visit to Mainland China? Starting from June 28, 2025, new regulations will take effect for domestic flights within mainland China: power banks (portable chargers) without the CCC (China Compulsory Certification)​ mark will be strictly prohibited on board. This rule also applies to domestic legs of international connecting flights!

As a frequent traveler to Mainland China, I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with these regulations in advance to avoid having your power bank confiscated during security checks, which could cause delays or financial loss.

What are Power Bank Limits in Mainland China?

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The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued a notice stating that, effective June 28, 2025, power banks without the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark will be prohibited on flights. This regulation primarily applies to domestic flights and aims to strengthen the safety management of lithium batteries, preventing hazards such as fire or smoke caused by battery failures.

Currently, many mainland airports have set up dedicated inspection points. During security checks, staff will ask you to take out your power bank and inspect its label:

• No CCC certification mark
• Blurred or unclear labeling
• Unclear capacity markings

Any of the above conditions will result in the item being deemed "non-compliant" and may be confiscated on the spot or required to be disposed of.

What is the CCC (3C) Certification?

Source from XYZTech

The full name of 3C certification is China Compulsory Certification (CCC), an official safety testing standard.

Appearance of the CCC mark:

• An elliptical logo
• Contains three overlapping capital letters "C" inside
• Often printed on the power bank's body, back, or on a sticker
• Must be clearly legible

If the mark is printed blurrily, appears only on the packaging, or is completely absent, the product is considered uncertified.

Is CCC certification also Required for International Flights?

Source from TradesNest

At present, the 3C certification is only mandatory for domestic flights within Mainland China.

If you are taking an international direct flight, such as from Malaysia to Shanghai or from Hong Kong to Beijing, this regulation does not apply.

⚠️ Important to note:

If you need to transfer to a domestic flight after arriving in Mainland China (e.g., Kuala Lumpur → Shanghai → Lanzhou), the 3C certification requirement becomes mandatory starting from the domestic flight segment. Otherwise, your power bank is likely to be confiscated during the security check for your connecting flight.

Recommendation: If your itinerary might include a domestic flight segment, prepare a compliant power bank in advance or consider renting one locally.

China Flight Power Bank Rules by Airline

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While the CAAC sets the general rules for power banks on flights, individual airlines may have slightly different policies.

China Domestic Flights vs International Flights

While the new regulation applies to all flights departing from mainland China, it does not affect flights arriving in China. That is:

• ✅Arriving from abroad: If you’re travelling from Singapore (or any other country) to China, your power bank is generally allowed on entry regardless of its certification status. Security won’t check the 3C mark for inbound passengers.
• ✅Departing domestic flights within China: Once you’re in China, things change. For any domestic flight in China, your power bank must have a clear 3C certification mark to be permitted on board. Oversized or uncertified units will be confiscated.

Other Restrictions on Carrying Power Banks on Planes

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In addition to 3C certification, mainland Chinese civil aviation has clear regulations regarding the capacity and carrying methods for power banks:

Carrying Restrictions: Carry-On Only

• Power banks cannot be checked; they must be carried in your hand luggage only.
• Placing them in checked baggage is prohibited and considered contraband; security will confiscate them directly.

Capacity Limits (Watt-hours, Wh)

• $\le 100 \text{Wh}$: Can be carried freely, with a maximum of two per person.
• $100 \text{Wh}$ to $160 \text{Wh}$: Can be carried, but requires prior approval from the airline.
• $> 160 \text{Wh}$: Strictly prohibited from being carried onto the aircraft, with no possibility of applying for an exemption.

Labeling Must Be Complete and Clear

• The power bank must clearly indicate the brand, model, capacity, and the 3C certification mark.
• All information is mandatory; products lacking any of these (often referred to as "three-no products" in Chinese) will be immediately classified as hazardous items.

Airport Disposal Bins

Most airports are equipped with "Power Bank Recycling Bins" or "Disposal Boxes," allowing passengers to voluntarily discard non-compliant products before boarding.

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