Introduction
When you travel, power banks have become indispensable. Whether you’re capturing scenic shots, navigating with your phone, translating local signs, or watching videos during long haul flights — a reliable external battery pack is essential. But if your journey includes flights within or departing Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) regulated airports, there’s a regulation you might not be aware of — and it could cost you your device. Beginning June 28 2025, China introduced a new rule banning power banks that lack the “CCC” (China Compulsory Certification) label, or whose label is unclear, from domestic flights.
For global travellers and source-product entrepreneurs (like those sourcing electronics from China), this development merits serious attention. In this article I’ll cover what the regulation is, why it’s been introduced, how travellers should prepare, sourcing implications, and practical tips you can implement today.
What Exactly Is the Regulation?
What was announced
In May / June 2025, the CAAC issued an urgent notice stating: passengers boarding domestic flights within mainland China (and also those departing from Chinese airports) must not carry power banks that:
- Lack a valid CCC mark (also called “3C” mark)
- Have unclear or unreadable CCC markings
- Are from batches or manufacturers under recall or whose CCC certification has been revoked or suspended Civil Aviation Administration of China
The notice emphasised that airports must increase inspection of power banks and set up designated disposal or storage areas for non-compliant units. Civil Aviation Administration of China
The ban took effect from June 28 2025 in practice. Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.
Scope of application
- Officially: domestic flights within mainland China. However, travellers report that any flight departing a Chinese airport, even if international, may trigger the rule if a domestic connection is involved.
- Applies to passengers and crew alike.
- Applies to power banks (portable external battery packs) — and possibly other removable lithium-battery packs.
Why the CCC mark?
The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark is China’s mandatory safety mark for many product categories, introduced in 2002 and fully effective since August 2003. Wikipedia+1
In essence, the Chinese regulator is saying: unless your power bank has been certified under China’s safety regime, you cannot bring it through Chinese airport security.
Key takeaway:
If your power bank does not bear a valid, clear CCC/3C mark — even if it’s high quality, even if it’s from a reputable brand — you risk confiscation, delays, or denied boarding when flying from or within China.
Why Has China Introduced This Rule?
Growing safety risks
The regulation does not appear in isolation. Several incidents of portable lithium battery packs (including power banks) overheating, smoking or catching fire aboard aircraft have put aviation safety in focus. For example: a flight operated by Hong Kong Airlines had to be diverted after an overhead baggage compartment fire reportedly caused by a power bank. Reuters
China’s regulators noted an increase in manufacturing recalls of battery-cell/power-bank products, and several Chinese manufacturers had their CCC certification revoked or suspended. Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.
Aviation safety & hazardous goods
Lithium batteries are classified as “dangerous goods” in aviation regulations. Because incidents of thermal runaway, smoke or fire can rapidly become catastrophic in flight, regulators worldwide require strict rules on batteries in carry-on baggage. TechRadar
By enforcing CCC certification for power banks, China is effectively raising the safety-bar: only units that meet the national safety standard — including fire-safety, insulation, quality control, etc — are allowed into the boarding process.
Why travellers and sourcers should care
- For travellers: There’s a clear risk of your power bank being rejected or confiscated at the security checkpoint.
- For product sourcers/brands: If your supply chain sources or exports power banks from China, you must consider CCC certification for the China travel market or China-produced units.
- For cross-border e-commerce brands: If you list “travel-friendly power banks” or target travellers entering China/Asia, your marketing must align with compliance.
What Travellers Should Do: Pre-Flight Preparation
If your travel plans include stopping in China (even on a transit route) or a domestic Chinese flight, follow these best practices:
1. Confirm the CCC mark on your power bank
- Look for the CCC (“3C”) logo stamped clearly on the device or packaging.
- If the mark is missing, only “CE”, “FCC”, or other international certifications are present — this is not acceptable for Chinese domestic flights.
- If the logo is faded, scratched, covered by sticker, or looks tampered — this could trigger a rejection.
2. Check the device capacity and labelling
- Although the CCC rule is separate, you still must abide by general lithium battery rules: power banks must be in carry-on luggage only, not checked bags.
- As a rule of thumb: units under ~100 Wh (≈27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) are clearly acceptable. Units between 100-160 Wh may need approval. Above 160 Wh is often banned.
- Ensure the capacity and voltage details are clearly printed (e.g., “10,000 mAh / 37Wh”). If not, airport staff may view it suspiciously.
3. Carry in your hand luggage
- Power banks should never be placed in checked-luggage for flights from or via China. This is a standard global rule for battery packs.
- Keep the power bank accessible and visible — if security asks, you can present it quickly.
4. Consider buying a compliant power bank after you arrive
If your current device lacks a CCC mark and you are flying within China, one option is: upon arrival at your first Chinese airport, purchase a CCC-certified power bank from an official brand store or electronics retailer (which will display the correct mark). This ensures compliance for onward domestic legs.
5. Transit and connecting flight risks
Even if your destination is not domestic China, if you connect through a Chinese domestic airport, you may still face enforcement of this rule. For example: landing in Shanghai, then boarding a domestic flight to Xi’an — your non‐CCC power bank could be confiscated.
6. Pack extra proof or documentation
Keep proof of purchase or a certification number if available. Although security may not request it, it never hurts to be prepared.
Implications for Sourcing, Brands & Product Entrepreneurs
Since your blog focuses not only on travel but also product-sourcing, this regulation presents important considerations for anyone sourcing power banks, travel accessories, or targeting the China market/traveller segments.
Sourcing from China: certification risk
- If you purchase power banks from Chinese manufacturers for export or domestic sale, check if they hold valid CCC certification — especially if the product is to be used by travellers on Chinese flights.
- Ask your supplier for the CCC certification number, manufacturing batch, testing reports, and validity.
- Be aware: a product manufactured in China for export may not hold the CCC mark (it may instead bear CE, FCC or other export certifications) — yet this export-type unit may still be flagged at a Chinese airport.
Branding & marketing angle
- If you run a brand (for example your travel-gear brand like “TOTOPAC”), and you include power banks or external battery units, you can market “CCC-certified / China-Flight Ready” as a differentiator for travellers to or through China.
- For B2B sourcing clients: educate them about Chinese airport rules — “✓ CCC mark inside, ✓ safe for domestic China flights” becomes a value-add.
- When listing on marketplaces (US, Europe, Amazon), mention compatibility/travel-friendly features: e.g., “Meets China CAAC 28 June 2025 power bank regulation”. This helps SEO and builds trust for global travellers.
Risk management for ecommerce
- If you import power banks into your home country (Bangladesh) or sell globally, consider whether you will include CCC certification — or at least disclaim the intended region of usage.
- Because travellers may carry your product into China — if it lacks CCC mark, they may face confiscation, and you could receive complaints or returns.
- For Amazon/Ebay sellers: include clear packing list, specs (Wh rating, certification mark), and mention region suitability.
Operational checklist for sourcing
- Confirm the product carries a valid CCC certificate (not just print of logo) — verify certificate number with China Quality Certification Center (CQC).
- Confirm the product’s marking is not a sticker but laser-printed and durable.
- Ensure production batch and date are clearly marked — avoid older stock whose marking may have degraded.
- Confirm capacity and voltage spec are clearly printed.
- Check whether the packaging indicates “suitable for China domestic flights – CAAC approved”.
- Consider supplier agreements that hold supplier liable for faulty or non-certified goods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does this rule apply to international flights departing China or only domestic flights?
Answer: Officially, the announcement emphasises domestic flights within mainland China. Civil Aviation Administration of China However, many travellers report that power banks were confiscated even when boarding international flights from Chinese airports — likely because a domestic leg or transit exists. Therefore, treat the rule as if it may apply whenever you depart from a Chinese airport.
Q2: Does the CCC mark guarantee the power bank is safe and acceptable?
Answer: It is a strong indicator that the product has met China’s compulsory safety standards. But it does not guarantee lifetime safety (e.g., misuse/damage can still cause hazards). Also, fakes exist. Always check credibility of certification.
Q3: What about power banks I bought outside China — say United States, Europe?
Answer: If they lack a CCC mark (even if they have CE, FCC, UL etc), you risk them being confiscated when boarding a Chinese domestic flight. Many travellers have reported this {quote}:
“My power bank was confiscated yesterday at Chongqing airport. Security is being very thorough.” Reddit
Better either buy a CCC-certified power bank or buy one in China after you arrive.
Q4: What battery capacity is allowed for power banks on flights?
Answer: As a general guideline globally (and taken into account in China guidance too):
Under 100 Wh (~27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) → Generally allowed without special approval. Fortress
Between 100-160 Wh → May need airline approval.
Above 160 Wh → Typically prohibited.
Note: This is separate to the CCC mark rule; both conditions may apply simultaneously.
Q5: My power bank has the CCC mark but is old and scratched — is that okay?
Answer: Possibly not. The regulation states that if CCC marking is “unclear or unreadable”, device may be rejected. Civil Aviation Administration of China If the device is visibly worn and label is worn off, security may treat it as non-compliant.
Real Traveller Experiences & Anecdotes
Travel forums such as Reddit’s r/onebag include firsthand reports: travellers on Chinese domestic flights were stopped and asked to surrender power banks without CCC marks. Reddit
These anecdotes highlight how enforcement is active and that assumption of “my foreign brand power bank will pass” is risky. The guiding principle: better to assume your current power bank may be confiscated — unless you verify it.
Case Study: Sourcing Power Banks for Travel-Friendly Brand
Let’s say you run your travel-gear brand (like your brand “TOTOPAC”) and you want to add a power-bank product targeting travellers including those who may visit China. Here’s how you might proceed:
- Supplier audit – Select a Chinese manufacturer that holds valid CCC certification for the model you intend to catalogue.
- Certification verification – Ask for CCC certificate number and cross-check with the online registry at CQC.
- Marking/packaging – Ensure the power bank has the CCC mark clearly printed (not just on packaging but on the device itself), the capacity (Wh or mAh) is clearly stated, and the model number matches certificate.
- Marketing claim – In your product listing you highlight: “CCC certified – China domestic flight compliant from 28 June 2025”.
- Travel-friendly bundle – Because the travel niche is your focus, add instructions for travellers: “Carry with you in cabin baggage only, keep clear label visible, capacity under 100 Wh recommended”.
- Regional variation – If you sell to multiple markets (US, Europe, Bangladesh), you might offer two SKUs: one with CCC mark (for travellers to/in China) and one with CE/FCC mark (for non-China usage) — but you must clearly label them for region use.
- Post-sale documentation – Provide digital pdf of certification, warranty, and travel-tip sheet to the buyer (value-add).
By aligning your product development and marketing with the new regulation, you deliver a travel niche product with added credibility and safety reassurance.
Checklist for Blog Readers & Travellers (Quick Reference)
- Your power bank has a visible CCC/3C mark.
- The mark is clear, legible, not a worn-off sticker.
- Capacity is clearly printed (e.g., 10,000 mAh / 37Wh).
- Device is under 100 Wh for best unrestricted travel.
- It is carried in your hand luggage (not checked baggage).
- If you travel via China: assume rule applies if departing from or within a Chinese airport.
- Consider buying a CCC-certified power bank after arrival at your first Chinese airport if needed.
- If sourcing/selling power banks: verify CCC certification and mark your travel-friendly branding accordingly.
What This Means for Your Broader Travel & Sourcing Strategy
- Travel gear brands: The regulation creates a differentiator. “China-flight compliant” becomes a meaningful product attribute.
- Travellers: The usual checklist of passport, flights, hotel, SIM card now includes “power bank compliance for China”.
- Sourcing/importers: Due diligence on certification is no longer optional if you target travel/adventure or Chinese transit markets.
- Vloggers/Travel bloggers: You have content continuity: you can show your packing checklist, highlight “bags electronics” and mention the CCC mark rule when travelling in Asia/China.
- E-commerce sellers: In listings, add a note “Suitable for travellers to China — carries CCC mark and meets CAAC requirements as of June 2025”. This can boost trust in global markets.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to overlook a power bank as just a simple accessory. But when it comes to aviation safety and regulations, especially within China, the devil is in the detail. The simple presence (or absence) of a tiny logo — the CCC mark — can determine whether your device makes it onboard or gets confiscated.
For travellers: check your gear, plan smart, and travel with peace of mind.
For sourcing professionals and travel-gear entrepreneurs: this regulation is a signal — manage certification, market informed products, and align with emerging regulatory trends.
Next time you pack your backpack, set that external battery aside and ask: “Does this bear the CCC mark?” If yes — good. If not — maybe leave it behind or buy the compliant version.
Safe travels and successful sourcing!