Uncertified power banks banned on flights

A sign reminds passengers that their power banks must have a 3C certification mark to be allowed on planes at an airport in Beijing on Tuesday. (TAO RAN/FOR CHINA DAILY)

China's aviation regulator has banned uncertified power banks on domestic flights, citing urgent safety concerns over fires and other hazards linked to lithium batteries, State media reported on Wednesday.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China told People's Daily that quality issues with lithium batteries in power banks have threatened aviation safety, prompting the move. The ban, which took effect on Saturday, applies to power banks without valid China Compulsory Certification — known as 3C — those with unclear 3C labels or those subject to product recalls.

The 3C certification is a mandatory safety and quality standard for products sold in China. For power banks, it ensures they do not pose risks of fire, electric shock or other hazards. The country began 3C certification for power banks on Aug 1, 2023, and sales of products without the certification have been prohibited since Aug 1 last year.

The administration said the measure follows a surge in incidents globally involving fires and smoke from lithium batteries on aircraft, including 15 cases in China's aviation sector this year. In one incident on Jan 28, a fire broke out on an Air Busan flight due to a passenger's power bank, damaging the aircraft.

Lithium batteries are prone to risks under external factors such as high temperatures, pressure and collisions, which can lead to internal short circuits and excessive heat. This can trigger thermal runaway in the battery, resulting in fires or explosions that are difficult to extinguish, the regulator said.

A recent report from China's market regulation authority found that out of 149 batches of power banks inspected, 65 were substandard, the administration noted.

A staff member at Beijing Capital International Airport told China Daily that passengers carrying power banks must now show 3C marks at security checks, and devices under recall will not be allowed through. Power banks under 100 watt-hours can be carried onboard, while those between 100 and 160 watt-hours require airline approval. Devices exceeding 160 watt-hours are prohibited.

Noncompliant power banks found during checks will be handled according to passengers' preferences, the administration said. Airports will provide areas for passengers to abandon or temporarily store their devices, along with mailing services for those who wish to send them home.

Power banks abandoned or left beyond storage deadlines will be destroyed or recycled after consultation with battery recovery companies, the administration said. Records will be maintained throughout storage, transfer and recycling to ensure traceability and prevent unauthorized devices from reentering the market.