Uncertified power banks banned on flights

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.