2025 Power Bank Boarding Guide: Understand CAAC’s New Rules and Pitfall-Avoiding Tips in One Article
As 3C devices have become essential for travel, power banks have become a “must-have” item in travelers’ luggage. However, since the implementation of CAAC’s new regulations on June 28, 2025, the standards for carrying power banks on board have been further tightened. Many travelers have had their items detained due to lack of understanding of the rules. Combining CAAC’s latest regulations and airport practical experience, this article details the full-process standards for carrying power banks on board to help you pass through smoothly.
Ⅰ. Core Access Standards: 3 “Red Lines” Must Not Be Crossed
CAAC’s restrictions on carrying power banks on board revolve around three cores: “safety certification, energy limit, and carrying method.” Non-compliance with any of these will result in a ban from boarding:
(1) Safety Certification: 3C Mark Is the “Admission Ticket”
The 2025 new regulations clearly state that domestic flights strictly prohibit carrying power banks without a 3C mark, with an unclear 3C mark, or those that have been recalled. As China’s mandatory safety certification, the 3C mark is directly related to core safety indicators such as the power bank’s circuit design and battery cell quality.
Identification tips: A genuine 3C mark consists of the “CCC” pattern, certification body code, product model, etc. It is clearly printed on the power bank’s shell or packaging and will not fall off when wiped with alcohol.
(2) Energy Limit: 100Wh Is the “Dividing Line”
Rated energy is the key indicator for judging whether a power bank can be carried on board. It can be calculated based on the marked value or formula:
No approval required: Rated energy ≤ 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh/3.7V) can be carried directly with no clear limit on quantity (for personal use only).
Approval required for carrying: 100Wh < Rated energy ≤ 160Wh (approximately 43,000mAh/3.7V) requires prior application and approval from the airline. Each passenger can carry a maximum of 2 units.
Strictly prohibited: Products with rated energy > 160Wh, or those without marked energy and unable to be calculated using the formula “Capacity (mAh) × Voltage (V) ÷ 1000” are prohibited from being carried.
Example: A 20,000mAh, 3.7V power bank has a rated energy of 20,000 × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = 74Wh, which can be carried directly. A 30,000mAh, 5V power bank has an energy of 150Wh and requires airline approval.
(3) Carrying Method: Hand-Carry Is the “Only Option”
Regardless of energy size, power banks are strictly prohibited from being placed in checked luggage and must be carried on person or in carry-on luggage. This is because lithium batteries may short-circuit and catch fire in high-altitude and low-pressure environments, and hand-carrying facilitates timely handling of emergencies. At the same time, ensure the power bank’s appearance is intact with no bulging, damage, or leakage.
Ⅱ. Practical Pitfall Avoidance: 4 Key Self-Check Steps
Step 1: Check 3C Mark and Recall Information First
Prioritize purchasing products with a clear 3C mark on the shell when buying. Verify through the following channels before travel:
State Administration for Market Regulation official website: Enter brand + model to check recall records.
Shanghai Airport mini-program: Enter 3C mark, capacity and other information to pre-check boarding eligibility (results are for reference only; subject to on-site security inspection).
Step 2: Accurately Calculate Rated Energy
If the power bank does not directly mark the Wh value, calculate it using the formula “Capacity (mAh) × Voltage (V) ÷ 1000”. Note that some products mark the “charging voltage” (e.g., 5V), and the battery cell voltage (usually 3.7V) shall prevail to avoid misjudgment.
Step 3: Handle Oversized or Problematic Products in Advance
Oversized products: Large-capacity power banks with rated energy > 160Wh can be shipped to the destination in advance by courier (there is a SF Express outlet near Gate 9 of Hongqiao Airport, with a maximum of 2 units per shipment).
Problematic products: Power banks without a 3C mark or those that have been recalled can be temporarily stored for 7 days near Exit 10 of Terminal 2, Hongqiao Airport (collection requires a voucher; recalled models cannot be stored).
Step 4: Standard Use During Flight
After boarding, turn off the power bank’s switch (if available) and refrain from using it to charge devices throughout the flight. Some airlines place reminder cards in seat pockets; you can take the initiative to confirm requirements with the crew.
III. Special Scenarios: Extra Attention Required for These Cases
International Flights: Stricter Standards, Confirm Airline Rules in Advance
Overseas airlines may implement more detailed standards. For example, some airlines restrict a single power bank’s capacity to ≤ 100Wh with a maximum of 2 units in total. It is recommended to check the airline’s official website and keep product purchase certificates for inspection.
Group Travel: Carry According to the “Personal Use” Principle
If traveling in a group, do not concentrate all power banks with one person. Distribute them according to each person’s needs, and all must meet energy and certification requirements. Small power banks for children (e.g., below 5,000mAh) also need a 3C mark.
Emergency Handling: How to Respond If Rejected at Security
If the power bank is found non-compliant during security inspection, you can choose:
On-site temporary storage (for non-recalled models).
Courier return (reserve more than 30 minutes).
Hand over to accompanying personnel who have not boarded the plane to take back.
Avoid delaying boarding due to disputes; it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1 hour in advance to handle such issues.
Summary: Safety Is Core, Self-Check Is Key
The core logic of the 2025 new regulations on carrying power banks on board is “strictly controlling safety risks.” Remember three key points: having a clear 3C mark, energy not exceeding 160Wh (approval required for exceeding 100Wh), and must be carried on person. Spend 5 minutes completing a self-check before travel to avoid item loss and ensure a smooth trip. After all, reliable preparation is the prerequisite for efficient travel for travelers.
Do you need me to create a simplified English checklist for quick reference during your trip?
