Hi guys, this is Deron, your Chinese lawyer friend, in today’s episode, i would like to talk about China’s latest policy on traveling with power banks.
On June 28, China’s civil aviation regulator has executed a new ban on power banks that lack valid 3C certification, or unclear 3C labels, or have been subject to product recalls, prohibiting them from being carried on domestic flights, why? To enhance aviation safety, says the authorities.
This new policy has caused chaos not only to users, but also to several big brands like Romoss, Anker. As a matter of fact, even before this new travel ban, some 1.2 million power banks have already been recalled by the manufacturers due to quality defects.
Some of you may say that this is happening too fast and too soon, even many of your Chinese friends don’t know about it until they are told it’s banned in the airport, not to mention you as a foreigner. Well, according to China’s product quality control regulation, as early as August 1 2024, power bank without 3C certification is not allowed to be manufactured/sold/imported/used in other business activities.
Besides the 3c requirement, you also need to pay attention to the capacity Restrictions:
if it’s ≤100watt hour: Permitted in carry-on luggage (no airline approval needed);
if it’s 100-160watt hour: Requires airline pre-approval (max 2 per passenger)
if it’s >160watt hour: Completely prohibited .
And you also need to follow the Usage and Carriage Rules:
No in-flight use: Charging devices during flight is prohibited
Carry-on only: Never in checked baggage
Physical condition: No swelling, leaks, or damage permitted .
If you ask me what i think of this, i would say this is a good policy and i absolutely support this ban and strict execution of the mandatory 3c certification, it’s for our own safety. But honestly speaking, if not for this ban, i wouldn’t pay much attention to the 3c certification when i buy a power bank.
All right, here it comes to my advice.
Well it’s quite simple, check your power bank and be ready to replace it with a one has 3c.
Today, if you go to Huangqiangbei, China’s No.1 electronics street, you will find that almost all the stores only have 3c power banks on sale and they are using it as a selling point. some even post out that” with 3c, no ban for airplane”. and if you try to shop online like JD online, you will find that almost every power bank seller is using the key word of 3c included. so nowadays it’s difficult for you buy a power bank without 3c, that’s kind of relief.
My advice would be buy the power bank from the big brand official store, so you can reduce the risk of it’s not real 3c product.
And some of you may ask it’s banned for airplanes, what about trains or metros?
Well according to the railway bureaus,for now they only check the capacity of the power bank, if it’s within 100watt hour, it’s fine. and it’s almost the same when it comes to metros, only the capacity restrictions.
And some of you may also ask what if my power bank already has CE or FCC certification, does it work? well unfortunately, they are not.
So, that’s all for today, if you have any questions regarding visiting, working or doing business in China ,you are welcome to contact me. thank you. bye bye!
