China 3C power bank flight rule
- Last reviewed
- Ruleset
- 2026-05-15
- Reviewed by
- CertiWatt source integrity workflow
Short answer: For mainland China domestic flights, CAAC announced that from June 28, 2025 passengers may not carry power banks without a 3C mark, with an unclear 3C mark, or in a recalled model or batch. A low-capacity power bank may still be refused if the required 3C evidence is missing or invalid.
China is one of the strongest examples of a country-specific overlay. The global 100 Wh rule is not enough by itself when a local marking requirement applies.
The CAAC notice is specific about domestic flights in mainland China and about three airport-screening risks: no 3C mark, unclear 3C mark, and recalled model or batch. Travelers should inspect the physical device before arriving at the airport; screenshots and marketplace listings may not satisfy frontline checks if the device itself lacks readable evidence.
The 2026 changes are adjacent but different. CNCA announced a CCC traceability-QR pilot for power banks: from March 1, 2026 newly certified pilot products need the traceability QR mark before leaving factory, sale, import, or other business use; from March 1, 2027 the requirement expands to all corresponding certified products. SAMR / SAC also list GB 47372-2026, Safety technical specification for power bank, as published on March 31, 2026 and effective April 1, 2027.
CertiWatt treats the 3C requirement as a trip-specific condition, not a universal global rule. It should fire for relevant mainland China scenarios without affecting unrelated trips.
Rule summary
- Airport rule
- CAAC notice: mainland China domestic flights from June 28, 2025.
- Key condition
- No 3C mark, unclear 3C mark, or recalled model / batch can lead to refusal.
- 2026 update
- New CCC traceability-QR pilot starts for newly certified power-bank products on March 1, 2026.
- Capacity still matters
- 100 Wh and 2026 quantity / in-flight charging rules remain separate checks.
- Final authority
- Airport, airline, and security staff decide at screening.
Check your device
The final answer can change by model, airline, country, certification mark, label evidence, and recall status.
Check a China flightFAQ
Can a power bank under 100 Wh be rejected in China?
Yes. If a required 3C mark is missing, the device can be refused even when it is under the usual 100 Wh threshold.
Does the China 3C rule apply worldwide?
No. CertiWatt applies it as a China-specific overlay for relevant departure or transit contexts.
Should I rely on a product listing that says 3C certified?
The safest signal is a clear marking on the device label, backed by manufacturer documentation where available.
Sources and evidence
This guide is reviewed against CertiWatt ruleset 2026-05-15. Active rule citations pass the source integrity release gate before deployment; trip-specific verdicts can still cite additional regulator, airline, manufacturer, or recall sources. Open the full source registry.
Informational only. Final decision rests with airline and security staff. Why we said this.