If you’re planning to travel to China soon, it’s important to know that the country has recently implemented new regulations regarding items carried on airplanes.
These regulations specifically pertain to power banks, as China has officially imposed new restrictions on these devices for flights departing from the country.
Latest Power Bank Capacity Limits in China
China has recently tightened rules on the maximum capacity of power banks that passengers are allowed to carry on planes, both for domestic and international flights.
This policy was issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) as a measure to enhance flight safety.
The new regulation takes effect on 28 June 2025 and requires all power banks carried by passengers to meet the following criteria:
- Must have the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark.
- Maximum capacity of 20,000 mAh.
- Power banks with a capacity under 100 Wh are allowed on planes without additional requirements.
- Power banks with a capacity between 100 and 160 Wh are permitted but require airline approval before the flight.
- Power banks exceeding 160 Wh are completely prohibited from being carried on planes.
One significant policy to note is the mandatory CCC mark on any power bank carried by passengers. This mark indicates that the power bank has been tested and certified as safe according to China’s safety standards, ensuring greater security when carried on flights.
In short, the CCC certification is similar to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) certification in Indonesia.
However, it’s important to note that this new regulation on power banks only applies to flights departing from China. This means power banks that do not meet these specifications can still be brought into China but will likely not be allowed for outbound flights when you’re returning home.
Why Are There Power Bank Restrictions on Planes?
Restrictions on power banks on airplanes, including those newly implemented by China, certainly exist for good reason.
Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries capable of storing a significant amount of energy. If not handled properly, these batteries can overheat, short-circuit, and potentially catch fire or even explode.
Moreover, the increasing number of aircraft fire incidents caused by power banks has been a major factor behind the introduction of these regulations. One particularly alarming incident occurred on an Air Busan aircraft in January 2025.
At that time, two power banks exploded and caught fire in the cabin luggage compartment of an Air Busan plane while the aircraft was still in the boarding process at Gimhae Airport in Busan, South Korea. The incident severely damaged a large part of the aircraft’s fuselage and sparked significant concerns about aviation safety.
Even a small fire poses a serious risk on an aircraft, given that the cabin is a closed space under high pressure. A minor fire could have fatal consequences for passengers and crew.
This is why the Chinese government has tightened regulations regarding maximum power bank capacity and imposed mandatory certification for power banks allowed on planes, to ensure flight safety and security.
