For many of us, speaking of travel, few things are as essential as staying powered. Whether it is preserving memories you'll want to relive or simply killing time during an airport layover, a trusty power bank ensures you stay connected and entertained.
But here's the thing: If you've been following the news, you might have heard the new airline rules that revolve around 3C certification. So, if you plan to fly domestically, heads-up! Here's everything you need to know about flying with a power bank.
The New CAAC Rules: What it Means for Your Next Flight
The skies above China have seen a significant shift in regulations regarding power banks. Starting June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) rolled out new rules that have really stirred things up in the travel and tech worlds. Why the sudden change? Well, power banks have been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately. Several big-name brands issued huge recalls due to overheating and combustion risks.
The CAAC's new regulations are explicit: power banks must prominently display the "3C" certification mark, short for China Compulsory Certification. This certification represents a pivotal safety standard for products that can affect public health, safety, and environmental protection within China. Any power bank lacking this certification, featuring unclear, altered, or missing 3C labels, or belonging to recalled models or production batches, will be strictly prohibited from domestic flights. Therefore, when packing your power bank for a flight within China, it is important to meticulously verify its compliance with these updated rules.
What is 3C Certification and Why it Matters
CCC or 3C, which stands for China Compulsory Certification, is a mandatory product safety assessment standard in China. Administered by the Chinese government, it serves to protect consumers' personal safety, safeguard national security, and strengthen product quality management. The 3C logo is a mark of assurance, signifying that a product has undergone rigorous testing and complies with national standards for battery performance, thermal stability, and durability.
For power banks, 3C certification is non-negotiable. It attests that the manufacturer has conducted extensive tests to ensure the power bank's safety during regular use and under diverse conditions.
Don't know what the 3C logo looks like? No worries, it's super easy to spot. You'll usually see the letters "CCC" tucked inside a circle or a rectangle.
Battery Cells: The Sneaky Troublemaker
The recent spate of power bank recalls and safety incidents can be traced back to the battery cells used in these devices. Lithium-ion battery cells, which are commonly used in power banks, can pose significant risks if they are of poor quality or not properly designed. Poorly made ones can overheat, smoke, and even explode — nightmare scenarios in a plane cabin. This is why the CAAC has taken such a firm stance on 3C-certified power banks. The 3C certification can effectively weed out these troublemakers, letting only the safe, tested ones take to the skies.
Flying with Pisen Power Banks
Looking for a power bank that you can trust for air travel? Pisen is a name you can rely on. Pisen power banks are 3C certified, which means they have passed the rigorous testing required by the Chinese authorities. Plus, they are completely absent from any recall lists, giving you peace of mind that your power bank is safe to carry on your domestic flights in China.
Pisen uses high-quality battery cells in all power banks. These cells are carefully selected and engineered with safety in mind, ensuring they meet the strictest industry standards.
Pisen's commitment to safety goes beyond just quality cells. Each Pisen power bank is equipped with multi-layered safety features to guard both the power bank and your device against over-current, over-voltage, under-voltage, short-circuits, and over-temperature.
Final Thoughts
The new airline rules on power banks might seem like a hassle at first, but they're a necessary step to ensure flight safety and drive the industry towards greater safety, standardization, and transparency in the long term. These regulations aren't just about keeping everyone safe during flights; they're also about setting a higher bar for power bank manufacturers across the board.
By mandating 3C certification, the CAAC is forcing companies to adhere to stricter safety standards. This, in turn, can encourage innovation in the industry. Manufacturers will not only focus on stricter quality control, but also on developing advanced safety features, like better thermal management systems and enhanced safety protection mechanisms.
Standardization is another crucial aspect. With clear rules in place, travelers no longer have to guess whether their power banks are allowed on flights. This clarity helps streamline the security screening process at airports, making it more efficient for everyone involved.
Transparency is the final piece of the puzzle. The recent recall dramas of popular brands aren't just random glitches. They traced back to murky battery cell sourcing and lapses in quality control. Now, these rules are forcing manufacturers to pull back the curtain on each and every step: from how they source their cells to how they test each unit before it hits the shelves.
So, the next time you're packing for a flight, double-check your power bank. Keep in mind that these rules are all part of a bigger picture. They are small steps toward a better future of the industry, making it safer, more standardized, and more transparent for everyone.
FAQs:
1. Is it Still Safe to Fly with a Power Bank?
Yes, it is safe to fly with a power bank as long as it meets safety standards and airline requirements. And, make sure your power bank is not on the recalled list. It's also a good idea to check with your airline in advance.
2. My old power bank bought years ago does not have a CCC mark on it. What now?
If your power bank doesn't have a 3C logo, it does not meet the new airline requirements for domestic flights in China. It's best to invest in a new 3C-certified power bank to avoid any issues at the airport.
3. Are Pisen power banks safe?
Absolutely! Pisen power banks are safe to fly with as they are 3C certified. They have undergone strict testing to meet the safety standards set by the CAAC, and they are not part of any recalled models. You can trust Pisen to keep your devices charged during your travels within China.
4. I'm a foreigner planning to fly to China. Do I need a 3C-certified power bank?
If you're a foreign traveler coming to China, and your journey includes any domestic flights within the country, then yes, you absolutely need a 3C-certified power bank. On top of that, make sure your power bank isn't among any of the models or production batches that have been recalled due to potential overheating or combustion risks.