Power Banks & China: All You Need To Know

Traveling to China is an exciting adventure, but it comes with some unique regulations that can surprise unwary tourists. One important new rule concerns carrying portable chargers (power banks) on flights. China has tightened its aviation rules around power banks, and only those with a special Chinese safety certification (the “CCC” mark) are allowed on flights departing within or from China… but it is not quite as simple as thinking you can fly into China with any random power bank…

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain China’s power bank regulations, how they’re enforced at airports, and what it means for flights into, out of, and through China. We’ll also compare major airports and airlines (including Hainan Airlines who we flew to Beijing with in September 2025) and provide tips — like buying a CCC-certified power bank in China — to ensure you stay charged without trouble.

Traveling by Air in China: A Brief Overview for Tourists

China’s domestic travel network is modern and extensive, with dozens of airlines and some of the world’s busiest airports. However, security protocols in Chinese airports are very strict, and travellers must be prepared for thorough checks. You’ll encounter rigorous screenings for items like liquids, batteries, and electronics at both domestic and international terminals. Recent changes in policy have made carrying certain items (like power banks) more complicated. If you plan to take domestic flights within China or fly out of the country, it’s crucial to understand and follow the latest rules. Breaking these rules—even unknowingly—can result in confiscation of your belongings or delays at the airport. With this context in mind, let’s dive into the new power bank regulations in China.

China’s Power Bank Rules and the “CCC” Certification

What triggered this change? A series of incidents involving lithium battery fires and smoke on flights raised alarms. In early 2025, a suspected power bank fire on a flight (Air Busan) underscored the risk and it actually made global news – I saw it on TV at my home in a small and rural village in Scotland. Major brands even recalled millions of power banks over safety issues. In response, Chinese regulators tightened the rules, and rightly so! Can you imagine the impact a fire could have in an enclosed space while up in the air?!

Effective June 28, 2025, any power bank lacking a clear CCC mark (or on a recall list) is banned from being brought on board flights in China. The official CAAC notice prohibits passengers from carrying power banks without CCC markings, with unclear markings, or from recalled batches on all domestic flights. Airlines and airports were instructed to step up inspections and inform passengers widely.

Key requirements for power banks on flights in China:

• CCC certification: The power bank must have a genuine “CCC” safety logo printed or engraved on it (not just a sticker). Devices without the official CCC mark, or with blurry/unreadable labels, will be rejected at security – this means they will confiscate it and likely destroy it. (Note: International certifications like UL or CE are not accepted as substitutes for CCC).
• Capacity limits: Standard battery limits apply. Each power bank should be under 100 Wh (watt-hours) in capacity – roughly up to a 20,000 mAh battery – to be carried without raising any concerns. Banks from 100 Wh to 160 Wh (≈20,000–27,000 mAh) are allowed in carry-on only with prior airline approval (and usually limited to 1 or 2 units). Anything over 160 Wh (about 30,000 mAh) is completely prohibited on all flights.
• Quantity: You’re typically limited to no more than two power banks per person (especially if they’re in the 100–160 Wh range). Carrying a large number of batteries is not allowed.
• Carry-on only: All power banks must be in carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage. Security will confiscate any lithium battery found in checked bags for safety reasons.
• Good condition & labelling: The power bank should be in good condition with clear labels showing capacity and model info This means that the power bank info that is usually printed on to it must be legible. If the markings are scratched off or illegible, officers may treat it as “unclear” and deny it. Also, any power bank that has been officially recalled by manufacturers is banned completely (when in doubt, security has lists of recalled models).
• No usage during flight: Even if your power bank is allowed on board, you are not permitted to use it to charge devices during a flight on Chinese airlines. Since 2014, China’s aviation rules forbid passengers from charging their phones or other electronics with a power bank while in the air The airline should strictly enforce this during the flight and will give verbal reminders not to use any power bank. Essentially, the power bank must remain off and stowed – you can charge your phone using your power bank before or after the flight, but not during. (Chinese flight attendants will enforce this, and announcements are usually made on board.) You can also not plug in your power bank to the planes source of electricity to charge it while you are flying.

These rules are part of China’s national standard for air safety, so they apply across all of mainland China’s airports and airlines. Next, we’ll look at how these regulations are enforced and what differences (if any) you might encounter at various airports or with different carriers.

Enforcement at Airports: What to Expect (Power Bank Checks and “Battery Amnesty”)

When you land in China (if coming from somewhere else) you may have to pass through security to be able to exit into China. In airports like Beijing Capital, where the terminals are far apart, you will have to go through a security check to exit into China and transfer to another terminal.

What happens if your power bank isn’t compliant? In most cases, airport security will confiscate the non-CCC power bank on the spot. Passengers are generally given the choice to discard the item voluntarily (there are bins and signage encouraging travellers to surrender non-compliant batteries).

In cases where a recalled power bank is taken, some airports even provide information on how to contact the manufacturer for a refund or replacement later.

Bottom line: The enforcement is strict and nationwide. Airport announcements, signs, and staff will frequently remind passengers of the power bank restrictions. By the time you reach the X-ray, it’s essentially too late – any unapproved battery will be stopped. So you’ll want to know the rules before you pack. Now, let’s discuss how these rules play out in different flight scenarios: arriving in China, flying on domestic routes, leaving China, or transiting through a Chinese airport.

Flying Into, Out Of, or Through China with a Power Bank

Tourists often ask whether it matters if their flight is domestic or international when it comes to this power bank rule. Does it make a difference? The law itself is the same across China – the CAAC rule applies at all mainland airports. This detail seems to confuse travellers who think that the rule only applies to domestic flights. However, enforcement can vary slightly depending on whether you’re arriving or departing. Here’s a breakdown of each scenario for travellers:

Flying Into China (Inbound International Flights)

If you are coming into China on an international flight (for example, London to Beijing or Singapore to Shanghai), the good news is that the CCC requirement doesn’t apply to incoming passengers, or at least it is more difficult for China to actually do anything in this situations because the passengers have boarded from a foreign airport. In other words, your power bank is generally allowed on entry regardless of its certification status. Security at your departure airport outside China will simply follow their usual rules (typically focusing on battery capacity and carry-on placement), and they won’t be checking for a Chinese certification mark. When you land in China, you may have to go through a security screening which may include your cabin bag being scanned and checked and security may pick up on your power bank at this point.

Story time: When we flew from Edinburgh to Bangkok, we had a transit in Beijing, where we went through a security check on all of our cabin bags to get to the part of the terminal where we would board the next flight. They were strict on electricals and batteries at this check but I cannot tell you what would happen with a power bank because I did not have one. When we flew into Beijing and exited the airport to visit the city for a few days, they also scanned all of our bags before we left the airport. They did a visual check on a smaller bag attached to our pushchair and this had a power bank in it. I am about 99% sure they did not notice it in there but it did have the CCC mark on it anyway.

What this means: You could board a flight in your home country with a non-CCC certified power bank, carry it through the flight, and successfully arrive in China with it without any issues. You could also have it taken off you if security spot it when you land in China.

Caution: Just because you got it into China doesn’t mean you can take it back out (or use it freely). Tourists often run into trouble on the next leg of their journey – which we’ll cover below.

Flying on Domestic Flights Within China

If your travels involve domestic flights within China (say, Beijing to Xi’an or Shanghai to Guangzhou), this is where the CCC rule is most strictly enforced. The regulation was explicitly introduced for “all domestic flights” in China. Practically, this means when you go through security for a domestic flight, the officers will check every power bank in your carry-on for the CCC mark. Any power bank without a clear CCC logo will be confiscated at the checkpoint. There’s no leniency here – it doesn’t matter if it’s a top-brand battery or if it was allowed on your previous international flight; if it’s not CCC-certified, you cannot bring it on a domestic plane in China.

For example, imagine you flew into China with a non-CCC power bank in your bag. Now you’re catching a flight from Shanghai to Xi’an. At Shanghai’s domestic terminal security, officers will find that power bank. Since it lacks the CCC emblem, they will remove it and not allow it on the plane. This scenario has caught many travellers by surprise – it’s one of the most common ways tourists lose their power banks. Connecting flights amplify this issue: if you arrive in China then connect to a domestic flight, you’ll go through security before the domestic leg and likely lose any non-compliant charger there.

Beyond the certification, remember that domestic flights also enforce the standard battery limits: keep it under 100Wh for hassle-free travel, and never pack power banks in checked luggage (security will definitely find and remove them). Also, don’t plan to use the power bank during the flight – Chinese airlines do not allow in-flight charging via external batteries. In fact, if you fly a Chinese carrier, you might hear an announcement reminding passengers of this rule after take-off.

Flying Out of China (Outbound International Flights)

Some airports have explicitly stated policies for international flights. Shenzhen Airport, for example, announced that for international and Hong Kong/Macau flights departing Shenzhen, they would continue using the “original” battery rules without requiring CCC (focusing only on capacity, condition, etc.). This means Shenzhen did not initially enforce the CCC mark for outbound international travellers, likely to accommodate foreign visitors. But not all airports made such exemptions clear, and numerous flyers from Beijing, Shanghai, etc., have had non-CCC banks taken on outbound flights. It may depend on the airport and even the individual security lane or officer.

Our advice: Don’t gamble. Plan as if the CCC rule will be enforced on your flight out of China. The inconvenience of losing a $30-$50 power bank aside, the bigger hassle could be the delay or confusion it causes during security. The procedure might involve filling out a form or walking back to an “amnesty” desk to leave the item, which can be stressful when your flight is boarding soon.

Transiting Through China (Connecting Flights)

If you are transiting through a mainland China airport en route to a third country, you need to be aware of the power bank rule as well. Transit passengers often assume they’re exempt because they’re just connecting, but that’s not the case. In most Chinese airports, international transit passengers must go through a security screening during the transfer (even if you don’t clear immigration). This means if you fly, say, London → Beijing → Sydney, when you land in Beijing you’ll go through transfer security before boarding the Sydney flight. During that transfer security check, the officers will inspect carry-on items just as thoroughly as any departure. Any non-CCC power bank in your bag could be confiscated in Beijing during your layover, potentially leaving you without a charger for the long flight to Sydney.

The situation is similar if you go international→domestic or domestic→international within China on one ticket. The moment you pass through a security check in China, the CCC rule kicks in. For example, consider a route New York → Shanghai → Bangkok on a Chinese airline: New York to Shanghai is fine (no CCC needed departing New York), but in Shanghai you go through transit security to catch the Bangkok flight – security could remove your non-CCC power bank then.

Story time: When we flew from Edinburgh to Bangkok via Beijing, we had to repack a case at check-in at the last second to get around the fact that Hainan Airlines do not pool luggage allowance and we needed to put some weight into another bag and check it. During this mess, my MiFi device ended up moving from hand luggage to checked luggage. When we transited in Beijing, they must have scanned our checked bags again and saw something they assumed was a power bank. When we landed in Bangkok we were missing this specific bag and had to do paperwork to allow them to open my bag and search it. Unfortunately, because I wasn’t there to explain what it was I think they assumed it was a power bank and they took it. I am currently waiting on a response to my complaint because they took something they shouldn’t have and also now deny that anyone took anything from my bag at all for legitimate purposes (basically, the airport have shifted blame to the airline and have put it down to theft from my bag while in the airlines possession).

If you are merely transiting without leaving the airport, you might think “maybe I can hide it or it won’t be noticed.” Don’t count on that – X-ray scanners will pick up battery packs. You have to go through a security check between your landing gate and the connecting flight gate. Moreover, Chinese airports often have staff specifically watching for batteries (sometimes they’ll even ask you proactively if you have any power banks). The best practice is, again, to carry only a compliant device or none at all during transit through China.

One small exception: If you remain airside on a single aircraft (i.e. a technical stop or plane refueling in China where you don’t disembark or go through security again), then your bags won’t be rechecked in China. In such rare cases, a non-CCC power bank in your bag might escape notice. But these situations are uncommon for commercial flights, and you typically would know if you’re not changing planes. Unless you’re sure you won’t face a security screening in China, assume that you will.

Major Chinese Airports: Consistent Rules, Minor Differences

China’s aviation regulations are national, so all major airports enforce the same core rule about power banks. Whether you’re flying out of Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, or even smaller regional airports, the requirement for a CCC-certified power bank applies. The CAAC’s directive went to every airport security department in the country, instructing them to enhance inspections and stop any non-compliant power banks from boarding. In that sense, you can expect a fairly consistent experience: your bag will be scanned and if a power bank is spotted, they’ll ask to see the markings.

That said, there have been some minor differences in implementation:

• Beijing & Shanghai: Being huge international hubs, these airports saw immediate strict enforcement. Travelers in mid-2025 reported that at Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG), security officers were already familiar with the CCC rule and confiscated uncertified batteries even for international flights. Signage in both Chinese and English has been placed at checkpoints explaining that only 3C-marked power banks are allowed. Don’t expect any leeway here. Staff will ask you many times about power banks between security and right up until boarding. You even have to sign paperwork in some situations to say you do not have a power bank on you.
• Guangzhou & Shenzhen: In Guangzhou (CAN), similar strict checks are in place. Shenzhen (SZX), as mentioned, publicly clarified its policy: for domestic flights, CCC is required, but for international flights from Shenzhen, they initially continued using the old rules (no CCC needed). Shenzhen’s approach may have been to minimize disruption for foreign travellers. They also took the lead in offering a storage service for banned items, which other airports may emulate.
• Secondary & Regional Airports: Don’t assume a smaller airport will be lax. In fact, some reports suggest even at regional airports, officers are diligently checking power banks (perhaps because the rule is new, they are extra cautious).
• Hong Kong and Macau: These cities are separate aviation jurisdictions. Hong Kong (HKG) and Macau (MFM) are not subject to CAAC domestic directives. If you’re flying from Hong Kong or Macau, the CCC rule does not apply there. They follow international standards (allowing power banks <100Wh in carry-on, etc., without any CCC requirement). However, if your trip involves crossing into mainland China from Hong Kong/Macau (for example, a connecting flight from Hong Kong into Guangzhou, or taking the high-speed train into China), once you enter a mainland airport or station, the mainland rules take over. Keep that in mind if you plan a multi-stop itinerary.

In summary, all mainland airports will enforce the CCC requirement for domestic departures, and most will enforce it for international departures as well (unless explicitly stated otherwise like in Shenzhen). The variation is mostly in services provided (like storage, announcements in English, etc.) rather than in the rule itself. Don’t expect to sneak a non-compliant power bank through just because you’re at a less famous airport—security staff across China have been alerted to this issue.

Airline Policies: Chinese Carriers vs Foreign Carriers

All airlines operating in China must adhere to the country’s safety regulations. This means that Chinese airlines and foreign airlines alike cannot allow uncertified power banks on flights departing China, since security will intercept them before boarding. However, there are a few notes regarding airline-specific policies worth mentioning, especially for Chinese domestic carriers:

• Chinese Major Airlines: The big state-affiliated airlines like Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, as well as Hainan Airlines, Spring Airlines, and others all follow the CAAC guidance to the letter. In their official baggage rules, they have updated policies stating that power banks without a 3C (CCC) logo, or with unclear markings, are prohibited on domestic flights. They also reiterate the standard capacity limits (≤100Wh freely allowed; 100–160Wh with approval; >160Wh banned).
• Chinese Airlines on International Flights: If you take a Chinese airline for an international flight (e.g. Air China from New York to Beijing, or Hainan Airlines from Paris to Chongqing), the airline itself doesn’t require CCC since you’re outside China at departure. They will, however, still enforce the usual lithium battery rules (no check-in, capacity limits). Once you enter Chinese airspace or airports, those airlines will enforce the no-usage rule (flight attendants on a Hainan Airlines flight will announce that power banks can’t be used in flight, even if you boarded outside China). And for your return journey from China on that airline, the CCC rule will be in full effect at the airport. So, for instance, flying Hainan Airlines out of China – you must have a CCC-certified power bank or you’ll lose it at security before boarding. The airline’s crew and gate agents will likely remind passengers of this during the boarding process as well, since they are aware many tourists might not know the rule.
• Foreign Airlines: What if you’re flying a non-Chinese airline, like British Airways from Beijing to London, or United from Shanghai to San Francisco? The same airport security rules apply during departure – Chinese airport security doesn’t treat you differently based on airline. So a non-CCC power bank would still be stopped at the checkpoint for a foreign carrier’s flight. The airline itself might not have a specific policy about CCC (since it’s not their home country’s rule), but they can’t override Chinese aviation security. Once on board, foreign airlines generally allow use of power banks (to charge your phone) as long as they are not plugged into the plane’s power. Many international airlines don’t explicitly ban using your own power bank to top up your device.
• In-Flight Charging Alternatives: Chinese carriers usually provide in-seat power outlets or USB ports in many of their aircraft, especially in long-haul flights. They prefer you use those rather than a power bank. On foreign carriers, you might have seat power too. The key point is, once you’re on the plane, having a power bank isn’t very useful on a Chinese airline because you can’t use it until you land. So if you had to surrender one, remember you can likely charge your devices via the plane’s outlets as needed.

To sum up, all airlines – Chinese or international – obey the same safety rules set by CAAC when operating in China. The differences lie mainly in the in-flight policy (Chinese airlines ban using power banks during flight, whereas foreign airlines don’t have such a blanket ban) and in how they communicate rules to passengers.

Buying a CCC-Certified Power Bank in China (and Other Tips)

So, what should a tech-savvy traveller do to avoid losing their power bank? The answer is simple: use a power bank that meets China’s rules. If your current portable charger doesn’t have a CCC mark (check it closely; most bought outside China will not), you have a few options:

• Bring a compliant one from home: If you can obtain a power bank with a CCC certification before your trip, do so. As noted, after August 2024 all power banks made for the Chinese domestic market carry the CCC logo. Some international retailers or online sellers now stock power banks that are CCC-certified (for example, certain models by Xiaomi, Anker, or other brands that specifically indicate a 3C logo). If you go this route, ensure the CCC mark is printed on the device itself, not just on the packaging or a loose sticker. Also double-check the capacity is within 100Wh and it’s a reputable product. However, finding CCC-marked units outside China can be a bit tricky – or expensive.
• Buy one in China: This is often the easiest solution. Once you arrive in China, you can purchase a certified power bank locally. All power banks sold in China (from August 2024 onward) will have the CCC mark by law, so if you buy from a regular store, you’re guaranteed to get a compliant device. You’ll find power banks at airport electronics shops, phone stores, electronics markets, and even convenience stores in Chinese cities. Popular Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Baseus, Pisen, Romoss, etc., produce power banks with the 3C certification. This option is likely to be much more cost effective and you will have far more choice regarding the type of power bank you get. A little tip: I saw power banks in a convenience store near our hotel in Beijing, but you can also grab them at MINISO too and the colours are cute. If you have at least a few days in China, consider ordering via TaoBao or another online option and having it delivered to your hotel.
• Use other charging options: Another angle is to minimize your need for a power bank. Chinese airports have been adding more charging stations and power outlets in terminals. You can charge your devices while waiting for your flight. Onboard, use the in-seat power. When exploring cities, note that China has a vast network of shared power bank rentals – in malls, restaurants, tourist spots, you might see kiosks where you can rent a battery pack by scanning a QR code. (These can be very handy for tourists, although they typically require a mobile payment method like Alipay/WeChat Pay). If you don’t want to invest in a new power bank, you could rely on these alternatives and just keep your devices topped up whenever you find an outlet or a rental station.
• Leave non-compliant devices at home: It might be hard to part with your favourite high-capacity battery pack, but consider leaving any non-CCC power bank at home for the duration of your China trip. If it’s not in your bag, it can’t be confiscated. You could buy a cheap compliant one in China and later give it away or use it as a spare, keeping your primary (non-CCC) power bank safe for use in other countries. Remember that power banks with only the CCC mark are fine to use internationally – other countries don’t mind if your charger has extra logos or Chinese certifications. They care more about the battery size. So a CCC-certified power bank will serve you globally just as well as any other, with the bonus of being accepted in China.

Tip: If you’re buying a power bank in China, keep the purchase receipt and packaging, at least until you fly home. Why? In the unlikely event security questions it (say the label smudges or they haven’t seen that model before), you can show it was bought locally and should be compliant. Also, avoid cheap knock-offs from street markets – stick to known brands and stores, so you can be confident the CCC mark is authentic.

Any flight leaving a mainland Chinese airport requires your power bank to be CCC-certified – this holds true for domestic hops and likely international flights as well. Flights into China are more lenient, but once in the country you should play by the local rules. All major Chinese airlines and airports enforce the same standards, so there’s no workaround by switching airlines or airports. The simplest solution is to travel with an approved power bank so you can keep your devices charged throughout your journey without interruptions.

Tip: You may able be able to pick up a CCC power bank in other countries on your way to China. We managed to get one in PowerBuy in Bangkok and successfully travelling into and out of Beijing with it. This option was not an easy one, because most of the power banks in Thailand were not CCC rated. I had to read every single box carefully and I managed to find the only one in the whole store with the correct certifications so I grabbed it as soon as I could.

Below you can see two power banks, on the left is an example of one that is not safe for travelling to China and on the right is one which is safe for bringing to China. The difference is the triple C mark that you see on the second one at the bottom, second from the right.