China Power Bank Limit: 3C Rules, Flight Limits & Tips

If you are flying to or within China, understanding the rules for power banks can prevent last-minute headaches - such as your device being confiscated during security checks. Starting from June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has formulated stricter regulations. What they focus on are two things: one is the safety mark known as 3C, and the other is how much power the battery has.

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

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China tightened their Power Bank policies because there were more fires caused by bad power banks in 2025. Some brands had to recall their products, and others lost their safety certification. To keep flights safe, CAAC matched international rules—now you must have that 3C mark for domestic flights.

• Mandatory 3C Certification: Even if your power bank meets capacity limits, it will be banned without a clear 3C mark—international certifications like UL won’t substitute.
• Recall Checks: Power banks from officially recalled batches (checkable on China’s market regulator website) are strictly prohibited.
• Clear Labeling: Capacity (in mAh or Wh) and brand/model must be legible. Faded or unclear labels will lead to confiscation.

What Is 3C Certification for Power Banks?

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First, What 3C Certification Means

3C (short for China Compulsory Certification) is a safety mark. This means that the power bank has passed the test to ensure that it:

• Not too hot.
• It won't catch fire.
• Reliable operation (no short circuit).

How to Check for a Valid 3C Mark

Look for a clear "3C" logo on the power bank or its packaging box. It cannot fade, be scratched or be too small to read - if so, security will reject it. If you're not sure, check out the brand's website. Legitimate brands will list their 3C certification numbers, so that you can confirm that it is genuine.

What If Your Power Bank Has No 3C Mark?

• Domestic flights (such as from Beijing to Shanghai) : Security personnel will take it away immediately.
• For international flights entering China (such as from Singapore to Shanghai) : You can bring it in, but if you later take a domestic flight (from Shanghai to Chengdu), it will be confiscated.

Power Bank Capacity Limits for China Flights

Can I bring a China power bank with a capacity of 20000mAh or 30000mAh? All of this boils down to "Wh" (watt-hours) - an indicator of how much electricity a bank has. Most banks list mAh, but you can easily calculate Wh. The following is the China Power Bank Capacity rulebook:

Capacity Tiers & Rules

How to Convert mAh to Wh

Use this formula: Wh = (mAh × 3.7) ÷ 1000 (Almost all mobile power banks use 3.7V voltage, so just enter the mAh number.)

• 20000mAh power bank: (20000×3.7) ÷1000 = 74Wh (can be carried directly)
• 30000mAh power bank: (30000×3.7) ÷1000 = 111Wh (Approval from the airline is required. A maximum of 2 can be brought.)

Rules for Different Flight Types (Domestic vs. International)

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The China Power Bank Limit rules vary based on whether you’re arriving in, departing from, or flying within China:

Domestic Flights (Within China)

A 3C mark is required, with a capacity of less than 160Wh (approval is granted for flights with a capacity of over 100Wh). It must be placed in carry-on luggage, and never in checked luggage (pressure can cause the battery to catch fire).

International Flights

• Departing from China (for example, flying from Shanghai to Singapore) : According to domestic regulations, 3C certification is required, and approval is needed if the capacity exceeds 100Wh.
• Flying from abroad to China (such as from Singapore to Shanghai) : No 3C inspection is required upon entry. You can enter without certification, but it will be confiscated if you take domestic flights later.
• Connecting flights (such as Tokyo → Shanghai → Chengdu) : This section from Shanghai to Chengdu is considered a domestic flight. The power bank must have 3C certification; otherwise, it won't pass the security check.

Airline-Specific Power Bank Policies in China

The Civil Aviation Administration of China has set uniform rules, but the approval processes of each airline are somewhat different, mainly for power banks with a capacity of 100Wh to 160Wh.

Note: Low-cost carriers (like Spring Airlines) may have stricter approval timelines—check their websites 1–2 days before travel.

What If Your Power Bank Is Not Allowed

When going through security and finding that your power bank is out of 3C status or has an excess capacity, don't panic. There are three ways to handle this at the airport:

Temporarily Store It

• Duration: At major airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong and Shenzhen Bao 'an, you can deposit for free for 7 to 10 days.
• Pickup: You need to remember the time to withdraw it yourself. If no one does so within the time limit, it will be disposed of.
• Locations: Ask security for “power bank storage” (e.g., Beijing T3’s storage is in the parking lot’s passenger service center).

Mail It to Yourself

There are usually SF Express counters at airports (such as in Daxing, Beijing and Xiaoshan, Hangzhou). Domestic shipping costs about 20 to 50 yuan, while international shipping is a bit more expensive. You can have the power bank delivered to your home or hotel.

Voluntarily Discard It

There are special "unqualified power bank recycling bins" at the security checkpoint. Just throw them in and the staff will handle them uniformly and safely. Don't throw them anywhere else casually.

What You Can’t Do with Power Banks on the Plane

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Even if power banks comply with the rules, there are still requirements on the plane:

• It is not allowed to charge mobile phones or computers with power banks throughout the entire process.
• If the power bank has a switch, make sure to turn it off to avoid accidentally touching the power on.
• Put it in your carry-on luggage, such as in your seat pocket or under your feet. Do not put it on the overhead luggage rack to prevent it from being crushed.

Where to Rent Power Banks in China

If you don’t want to bring your own, or yours gets seized, renting a power bank in China is super easy. Here’s where to find them and how it works:

Common Rental Spots for China Power Bank

• 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: At major railway stations (Beijing West Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station), there are car rental points near the ticket office or waiting area.
• Shopping centers: Almost every shopping center has rental boxes at the food court, entrance or rest area.
• Restaurants/cafes: Chain stores like Starbucks, Haidilao Hot Pot and Luckin Coffee usually have power banks beside the tables or at the entrance.
• Subway stations: At the exits of some large subway stations (such as Tiananmen East Station in Beijing and Nanjing East Station in Shanghai), there are rental booths.

How to Rent China Power Bank

1. Scan the QR code: Open Alipay or WeChat, scan the QR code on the rental box.
2. Pay a deposit (or use credit): Most platforms let you use “credit 免押 (credit-free deposit)” if your Alipay/WeChat credit score is over 600. If not, the deposit is usually 99-199 yuan (refunded when you return the bank).
3. Pick and return: Take a power bank from the slot. Return it to any kiosk of the same brand (you don’t have to return it to where you rented it).

China Power Bank Rental Costs

• Usually 1-2 yuan per hour (about $0.14-$0.28). Most have a daily cap of 10-15 yuan.

Tips for Using Power Banks in China

• Check Before You Go: Verify the 3C mark and calculate the Wh 1-2 days before departure.
• Keep Labels Visible: Do not cover the 3C mark or capacity information with stickers.
• Bring Proof (If Needed): If the label is blurry, please bring the original packaging or a screenshot of the manufacturer's 3C certification.
• Avoid Extra Units: Stick to using 1-2 power banks (most airlines limit large-capacity batteries to 2).
• Charging at the airport: Airports now have more charging stations. Fully charge your device before takeoff to reduce your reliance on power banks.

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