China Power Bank Rules for Flights: The 3C Mark

A power bank that flew fine on your international flight can still be taken off you at security before a domestic flight in China. The reason is a Chinese rule that took effect on 28 June 2025: on domestic flights, power banks need a clear CCC (3C) certification mark. One foreign visitor's Xiaohongshu checklist mentions exactly this. Their power bank was confiscated at a domestic connection (全A少女瑞秋).

Checked on 6 October 2026. Rules for international flights are set by each airline and the countries involved. Ask your airline.

The rule

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued an urgent notice banning passengers from carrying these on domestic flights from 28 June 2025 (CAAC):

• power banks without a CCC marking
• power banks with an unclear CCC marking
• power banks from recalled models or batches

CAAC explains that fire and smoke incidents involving power banks and other lithium batteries carried by passengers had increased in 2025, several leading manufacturers had recalled batches over battery cell safety risks, and the market regulator had revoked or suspended CCC certificates of some power bank and cell makers (CAAC).

What CCC (3C) means

CCC stands for China Compulsory Certification, often shortened to "3C". Under SAMR's rules, products on the state's list can't be sold, imported or used in business unless they've been certified and carry the certification mark. SAMR, the State Administration for Market Regulation, runs the system nationwide (SAMR). It's also the regulator CAAC says had revoked or suspended some power bank makers' certificates (CAAC). A power bank bought outside China for another market may well have no 3C mark at all. That's the usual way visitors get caught: the power bank isn't faulty, it just isn't certified for China.

Why it's the domestic leg that catches people

The CAAC notice applies to domestic flights (CAAC). If you fly into Beijing on an international flight and then connect to Chengdu, the second flight is domestic, and that's where security will check your power bank. Plans with internal flights, such as a two-week itinerary with a Chengdu to Shanghai hop, need a compliant power bank or none.

What happens at security

The notice tells airport security to step up checks on power banks, and airlines and airports to add staff at checkpoints to guide passengers. Airports should set up areas where passengers can voluntarily discard or temporarily store non-compliant power banks (CAAC). Beijing's government advised passengers to get to the airport early because power banks may need to be inspected (Beijing government).

The notice also asks airports to install more charging points in terminals, so you can top up your phone before boarding and after landing (CAAC).

The general lithium battery rules still apply

On top of China's 3C rule, the standard international rules for spare lithium batteries apply. IATA's passenger guidance says (IATA):

Battery rating	Spare battery / power bank in carry-on	In checked baggage	Airline approval
Up to 100 Wh	Yes	No	Not needed
Over 100 Wh, up to 160 Wh	Yes, max 2	No	Needed
Over 160 Wh	Not as passenger baggage (cargo only)	No	—

IATA treats power banks as spare batteries, so they must go in carry-on only, with terminals protected against short circuits. Each person is limited to 20 spare batteries of any type unless the airline approves more (IATA).

Working out Wh

Many power banks show capacity in mAh rather than Wh. Wh = mAh × voltage ÷ 1,000, using the voltage printed on the label. A 20,000 mAh power bank rated at 3.7 V is 74 Wh, comfortably under 100 Wh (our calculation).

How to check your power bank

1. Look for the 3C mark on the casing or label. It needs to be clear and legible.
2. Check for recalls if your model was bought in China. The rule also covers recalled models and batches (CAAC).
3. Check the Wh rating or calculate it.
4. Make sure the label is readable. The ban covers power banks with an unclear CCC mark, not just those with none.

Options if yours doesn't comply

• Leave it at home if most of your trip involves domestic flights.
• Use it on the ground only, and travel between cities by high-speed train. The CAAC notice covers flights; the railway has its own list of prohibited items, so check it. See how to book high-speed trains.
• Buy a 3C-marked power bank once you're in China, and check the label before you buy.
• Charge at the airport. Terminals are being asked to add charging points (CAAC).

Checklist

• Clear 3C (CCC) mark on every power bank you'll carry on a domestic flight
• Not from a recalled model or batch
• Wh rating on the label, or calculated
• Power banks in carry-on only, terminals protected
• Extra time at security
• Cables packed for terminal charging points

More to prepare before you fly: the entry checklist for first-time visitors. On a 240-hour stopover, test your route in the transit checker.

Traveller reports we referenced

We used this Xiaohongshu post as a real-world example and wrote our own summary. Nothing was translated or copied, and the rules above come from CAAC and IATA.

• Entry preparation checklist for foreigners, by 全A少女瑞秋 (Mar 2026)

Sources

• Civil Aviation Administration of China: Power bank ban on domestic flights
• Beijing government: Ban effective 28 June 2025
• State Administration for Market Regulation: Provisions on Administration of CCC
• IATA: Passengers travelling with lithium batteries (PDF)