China Power Bank Limit: 3C Rules for Flights Limits, Certification & Travel Tips

If you’re traveling to or within China, knowing the regulations for power banks can help you avoid last-minute problems, such as having your device confiscated at security. Starting June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) introduced stricter rules, focusing on two key aspects: the mandatory 3C safety certification and the battery’s power capacity.

China Power Bank Rules Updated: : What’s New & Why

China strengthened its power bank regulations in 2025 due to an increase in fires caused by faulty batteries. Some brands were forced to recall products, while others lost their safety certification. To ensure flight safety, the CAAC aligned its rules with international standards—now all domestic flights require a 3C mark.

• Mandatory 3C Certification: Even if a power bank is within the allowed capacity, it will be prohibited without a visible 3C mark. International certifications like UL are not accepted as substitutes.
• Recall Checks: Power banks from officially recalled batches—verifiable on China’s market regulator website—are strictly forbidden.
• Clear Labeling: The capacity (in mAh or Wh) and brand/model must be clearly readable. Faded or unclear labels may result in confiscation.

China Power Bank Limits: What Is 3C Certification for Power Banks?

China Power Bank Limit:What is 3C Certification?

3C (China Compulsory Certification) is a safety approval showing that a power bank:

• Doesn’t overheat
• Is fire-safe
• Functions reliably without short circuits

China Power Bank Limit:Checking the 3C Mark

Look for a clear “3C” logo on the power bank or box. It must be readable and intact; faded or tiny marks will be rejected. If unsure, verify the certification number on the brand’s website.

China Power Bank Limit:No 3C Mark? Here’s What Happens

• Domestic flights: Taken away by security immediately
• International flights entering China: Allowed initially, but confiscated if you later take a domestic flight

China Power Bank Regulations: Allowed Battery Capacities on Flights

Wondering if you can bring a 20000mAh or 30000mAh power bank to China? It all comes down to Wh (watt-hours), which measures a battery’s total energy. While most power banks display capacity in mAh, converting it to Wh is simple. Here’s a summary of China’s power bank capacity regulations:

Capacity Tiers & Rules

How to Convert mAh to Wh

Use this formula: Wh = (mAh × 3.7) ÷ 1000. Most mobile power banks operate at 3.7V, so simply enter the mAh value.

• 20000mAh power bank: (20000 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 74Wh — can be carried without approval.
• 30000mAh power bank: (30000 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 111Wh — airline approval is required, and you may bring a maximum of two units.

China Power Bank Limit：Rules for Different Flight Types

The rules for carrying power banks in China differ depending on whether your flight is domestic, international, or a connecting route:

China Power Bank Limit:Domestic Flights (Within China)

All power banks must have a 3C certification. Batteries under 160Wh are allowed, but those over 100Wh require airline approval. They must be kept in carry-on luggage—never in checked bags, as pressure changes could cause a fire.

China Power Bank Limit:International Flights

• Departing from China (e.g., Shanghai → Singapore): Domestic rules apply. A 3C mark is required, and batteries above 100Wh need airline permission.
• Arriving in China from abroad (e.g., Singapore → Shanghai): No 3C inspection is required upon entry. However, if you later take a domestic flight, the power bank will need certification or it may be confiscated.
• Connecting flights (e.g., Tokyo → Shanghai → Chengdu): The segment within China is treated as a domestic flight. A 3C-certified power bank is required to pass security checks.

China Power Bank Limits: Airline-Specific Rules and Policies

China’s CAAC has set uniform regulations, yet individual airlines handle approvals differently, mainly for power banks in the 100–160Wh range.

Note: Budget carriers like Spring Airlines often have tighter approval schedules—verify their rules on the airline’s website a day or two before traveling.

What to Do If Your Power Bank Is Prohibited？

If your power bank lacks 3C certification or exceeds the allowed capacity at airport security, don’t panic. Here are three ways to handle it:

Temporary Storage

• Duration: At major airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, and Shenzhen Bao’an, you can store your power bank for free for 7–10 days.
• Pickup: Remember to collect it within the time limit. Unclaimed items will be disposed of.
• Location: Ask security for “power bank storage” (for example, Beijing T3’s storage is located in the parking lot’s passenger service center).

Mail It to Yourself

• SF Express counters are usually available at airports (e.g., Beijing Daxing, Hangzhou Xiaoshan).
• Domestic shipping costs around 20–50 yuan, while international shipping is slightly higher.

You can have your power bank delivered to your home or hotel.

Voluntarily Discard It

• Special “unqualified power bank recycling bins” are located at security checkpoints.
• Place your device in the bin, and staff will dispose of it safely.

Note：Do not discard it elsewhere casually.

What You Are Not Allowed to Do with Power Banks on Planes？

Even if your power bank meets all regulations, there are still rules for use on the plane:

• No Charging During Flight: Do not use power banks to charge phones or laptops at any time during the flight.
• Switch Off if Applicable: If your power bank has a power switch, turn it off to avoid accidental activation.
• Proper Storage: Keep it in your carry-on luggage, such as under your seat or in the seat pocket. Avoid placing it in the overhead bin to prevent crushing.

China Power Bank Limits: Power Bank Rental Locations Across China

If you don’t want to carry your own power bank, or if it’s confiscated, renting one in China is very easy. Here’s where to find them and how it works:

China Power Bank Limit:Common Rental Locations

• Airports: After baggage claim or near departure gates, look for kiosks with logos like 街电 (Jiedian) or 怪兽充电 (Guai Shou Chongdian).
• Train Stations: Major railway stations such as Beijing West or Shanghai Hongqiao have rental points near ticket offices or waiting areas.
• Shopping Centers: Most malls place rental boxes at food courts, entrances, or rest areas.
• Restaurants & Cafes: Chains like Starbucks, Haidilao Hot Pot, and Luckin Coffee often provide power banks near tables or at the entrance.
• Subway Stations: Large stations, such as Tiananmen East in Beijing or Nanjing East in Shanghai, have rental booths near exits.

China Power Bank Limit:How to Rent a Power Bank

• Scan the QR Code: Open Alipay or WeChat and scan the code on the rental box.
• Deposit or Credit: Many platforms allow “credit-free deposits” if your Alipay/WeChat credit score is above 600. Otherwise, the deposit is usually 99–199 yuan, refundable upon return.
• Pick Up and Return: Take a power bank from any slot. You can return it to any kiosk of the same brand—you don’t have to return it to the original location.

China Power Bank Limit:Rental Costs

Power banks generally cost 1–2 yuan per hour (around $0.14–$0.28), with most platforms capping daily usage at 10–15 yuan.

China Power Bank Limit:Tips for Using Power Banks in China

• Check Before You Go: Confirm the 3C certification and calculate the Wh 1–2 days before travel.
• Keep Labels Visible: Do not cover the 3C mark or capacity info with stickers.
• Bring Proof if Needed: If labels are unclear, bring the original packaging or a screenshot of the manufacturer’s 3C certification.
• Avoid Extra Units: Stick to 1–2 power banks, as airlines often limit large-capacity batteries to two per passenger.
• Charge at the Airport: With more charging stations available, fully charge your devices before takeoff to reduce reliance on power banks.

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