The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has announced a ban on power banks without a valid 3C certification, those with unclear 3C labels, or those subject to product recalls from being carried on domestic flights from 28th June 2025, as part of efforts to enhance aviation safety.

The move comes amid a rising number of incidents involving fires and smoke caused by lithium battery products, including powerbanks, on board aircraft this year. Authorities said that in recent months, several leading power bank manufacturers have issued recalls for multiple product batches due to battery cell safety risks.

China’s top market regulator, the State Administration for Market Regulation, has also revoked or suspended 3C certifications for several powerbank and battery cell manufacturers, indicating potential quality and safety hazards among portable chargers commonly carried by passengers. These risks have posed increasing challenges to the safe operation of civil aviation, the CAAC said.

To further mitigate these risks, the CAAC will implement stricter management in line with international standards set by the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, the notice said.

The regulator urged airlines and relevant aviation authorities to strengthen passenger communication, enhance inspection protocols, optimize services, and refine emergency response plans to support the new policy.

Airlines and their agents should promote awareness about carrying substandard power banks and encourage passengers to comply with the new safety rules, the notice said.

Airports are also required to intensify safety messaging by leveraging broadcasting systems, digital displays and other channels to warn travelers about the risks and to publicize the updated regulations in key areas such as security checkpoints and check-in counters.

The notice also states that all airports should refer to the ‘Guidelines for the Construction of Passenger Portable Electronic Device Charging Facilities in Terminals’ to expedite the installation and maintenance of charging facilities in terminals, improving the availability and accessibility of charging equipment to better meet passengers’ charging needs during arrival and departure.

The notice also requires airlines and airports to strengthen training and management of passenger service staff to ensure employees are familiar with the safety risks and policies related to power banks, enabling them to accurately and effectively respond to passenger inquiries.

Additionally, all units must further improve emergency response plans for situations such as lithium battery fires or smoke emissions, enhance employees’ situational awareness, emergency response capabilities, and collaborative coordination skills, to ensure timely and proper handling of emergencies when they occur.