China Bans Uncertified and Recalled Power Banks from Flights
China’s aviation regulator has enacted stringent new rules prohibiting passengers from carrying power banks without clear Chinese safety certification markings, or those that have been recalled by manufacturers due to safety concerns, on all flights departing from China. The ban, which came into effect on Saturday, 28th June, is a decisive step to enhance aviation safety amidst a global increase in incidents involving lithium battery products overheating on planes.
Rising Concerns Over Lithium Battery Incidents
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) introduced the ban following a series of alarming events worldwide. In January, a spare power bank was identified as a possible cause of a fire that engulfed an Air Busan plane. More recently, in March, a Hong Kong Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in China after a fire erupted in an overhead baggage compartment.
These incidents highlight the escalating risk posed by lithium batteries found in common electronic devices like laptops, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, and power banks. Manufacturing faults or damage can lead to short circuits, resulting in smoke, fire, or extreme heat. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recorded three overheating lithium battery incidents every two weeks globally last year, a significant rise from less than one a week in 2018, underscoring the growing concern for aviation safety as passengers carry more battery-powered items.
New “3C” Certification Requirement
Under the new CAAC directive, all power banks must prominently display “3C” certification, which stands for China Compulsory Certification. This certification is a mandatory requirement for products that could impact health, safety, and environmental protection. Passengers found with power banks lacking this clear marking, or with unclear/damaged labels, will be prohibited from boarding.
Manufacturer Recalls and Regulatory Action
The implementation of this ban is also a direct response to recent large-scale recalls by major Chinese power bank manufacturers, such as Anker, due to identified safety defects. China’s market regulator has also taken proactive measures, revoking or suspending the 3C certification of several power bank and battery cell manufacturers, signalling a concerted effort to address potential quality and safety hazards at their source.
Global Shift Towards Tighter Power Bank Rules
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The global aviation industry has been progressively tightening its regulations concerning power banks, particularly since the Air Busan incident. While general aviation rules permit power banks in cabin baggage, an increasing number of airlines are now prohibiting their use during flights and mandating that these devices remain visible to allow for immediate detection of any issues. China, for its part, has forbidden passengers from charging devices with power banks during flights since 2014.
Impact on Travellers
Travellers departing from China are advised to ensure their power banks comply with the new “3C” certification requirements and are not subject to any manufacturer recalls. Airports are expected to have designated areas for passengers to dispose of or temporarily store non-compliant power banks voluntarily. This measure aims to minimise disruptions for passengers while prioritising the safety of all onboard.
