China's 3C Power Bank Rule: Don't Get Yours Confiscated

From constant photo-taking to using essential apps, travel quickly drains our devices, making a reliable power bank an absolute necessity. But if your travels include flights within or from China, that essential portable charger now comes with a critical catch. Before you can board your next flight, you need to know about the new China power bank rule that's causing major travel confusion.

China’s airport security officials are now strictly enforcing a ban on any power bank that lacks an official "3C" (also known as CCC) safety certification, leading to widespread confiscations. The surprising part? Even a repute power bank made in China might be banned from flights within the country.

What Exactly is China's New 3C Power Bank Rule?

Responding to a dangerous rise in onboard fires, China's aviation authority (the CAAC) enforced a strict new rule for domestic flights. The rule directly bans any power bank that lacks the official China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark.

Since 01 August 2024, all power banks sold in China are required to carry the 3C mark. But here’s the crucial detail for travellers: this requirement does not apply to units made in China purely for export. This means your own power bank, even if it says "Made in China" on the back, was likely produced for an international market and will not have the specific 3C logo that China’s airport security is now looking for.

How to Check if Your Power Bank is Allowed (It's More Than Just the 3C Logo)

China’s airport security will decide your power bank's fate in seconds based on a few key details. You need to inspect your device for three things before you even get to the airport.

First, and most importantly, find the China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark. It looks like the letters "CCC" enclosed in a circle. Be very careful not to confuse this with the common "CE" mark, which is a European standard and holds no value for Chinese aviation security. If it only has a CE mark, it will be confiscated.

Second, check the overall condition of the label. A power bank with unclear, scratched, or faded markings is an automatic red flag. The 3C mark must be printed on the power bank and not a sticker on it.

Finally, confirm the power capacity (measured in mAh) is clearly printed. Power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh, approximately 27,000 mAh, are generally allowed in carry-on luggage without requiring any special approval.

Banned on Domestic or International Flights? Why Travellers are Confused

However, the way this new policy is being enforced creates major confusion and travel headaches.

Officially, the 3C certification rule applies only to domestic flights within mainland China. However, in practice, travellers report a much stricter reality. Redditors have shared that their non-compliant power banks were confiscated while boarding direct international flights at major international airports like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

The most common trap involves connecting flights. For example, if your journey takes you from New York to Shanghai and then on to Xi'an, that second flight from Shanghai to Xi'an is a domestic one. Security will inspect your power bank before that domestic leg, and if it lacks the 3C mark, they will confiscate it.

Because of this widespread and inconsistent enforcement, you should treat the rule as if it applies to any flight departing from a Chinese airport, whether your final destination is domestic or international. Or be prepared to have your power bank confiscated.

Where to Buy Compliant 3C Certified Power Banks for Your China Trip

You'll notice that all power banks sold for the Chinese market display the 3C mark but may lack the CE (European) or FCC (US) logos you're used to seeing. For your onward travel out of China, this is generally not an issue. Most aviation authorities worldwide focus on the power bank's capacity (the under-100Wh rule) and its condition, not specific regional certifications.

Finding a compliant power bank is straightforward in China, but things are different if you are outside of China.

1. Buying Power Bank in China

Once you land, you can easily find 3C certified power banks at airport convenience stores, official electronics brand stores (like Xiaomi, Huawei, or OPPO), or any major retailer. This is a guaranteed way to get a compliant device for the rest of your trip.

We bought a 10000mAh power bank from a Xiaomi store. If you haven’t heard of Xiaomi, it is a reputable brand in China and often referred to the “Apple of China”.

2. Buying Power Bank Online Before You Go

A search in Amazon for 3C certified power banks turns up empty. If you want to be prepared for your trip to China, your best bet is ordering from AliExpress. Not all power banks sold on AliExpress carry the 3C mark as the power banks were created for international export.

We managed to find and confirmed with these sellers at AliExpress who sell power banks with 3C mark and ship internationally. Shipping would take 2-8 weeks depending on where you are. Make sure to buy a power bank as soon as you confirmed your China trip.

Here are 4 recommended power banks for different needs. We like their respective Quick Charge and HyperCharge features, and works well for iPhones, Samsung and Android phones. All are compliant with China’s new 3C rules and safe to bring as a carry-on for flights.

FAQ: Your China Power Bank Questions Answered

Q1: What happens if my power bank gets confiscated in China?

A1: You will generally not get it back. Some airports may offer temporary storage for collection upon your return, or even a mailing service, but these options are rare and not guaranteed. Your best strategy is to avoid confiscation by using a compliant power bank.

Q2: Can I pack my power bank in my checked luggage?

A2: No, you must never pack power banks in checked luggage. All power banks are considered dangerous goods and are only allowed in your carry-on baggage, where they can be monitored and quickly addressed in case of a thermal event. This rule applies globally, not just in China.

Q3: Do other battery-powered devices like laptops or phones need 3C certification?

A3: No, the 3C certification requirement specifically targets portable power banks. Your laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras are generally exempt from this particular rule. Standard international regulations for carrying these devices (eg. in carry-on, not checked baggage) still apply, but they do not need the 3C mark.

Q4: Can I still use my non-3C certified power bank outside of Chinese airports?

A4: Yes, the 3C power bank rule applies strictly to air travel within and from China. You can freely use your non-3C certified power bank for charging devices in your hotel, cafes, or any other location outside of airport security checkpoints. The restriction only comes into play when you attempt to board a flight.

Q5: What if I cannot buy a 3C certified power bank in time for my trip to China?

A5: You can either, bring along your mobile charger and if and power outlets to juice your device; Or loan a power bank (for free or a small fee) from the many power bank loaning stations found in China. Make sure to install these essentials apps for your China trip to access the mini-programs to locate these loaning stations.

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