Few travel accessories spark as much anxiety as the humble power bank — especially when you’re heading to China. Starting June 28, 2025, Chinese authorities began strictly enforcing a rule that any power bank carried on a domestic flight must display the CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark. For travelers, that means a gadget you’ve relied on for years might suddenly get confiscated at security unless you know exactly what to look for.

4 related posts

Mandatory CCC certification effective: August 1, 2024 ·
Uncertified power banks banned on domestic flights: June 28, 2025 ·
Maximum allowed capacity (carry-on): 100Wh (~27,000mAh) ·
CCC marking required for sale in China: Yes

Quick snapshot

1What Is CCC Certification?
2Which Power Banks Are Allowed?
  • Any power bank with valid CCC mark (for domestic use/flights) (The Flight Club)
  • Capacity ≤100Wh for carry-on; ≤160Wh with airline approval (Trip.com)
  • Brands like Anker, Xiaomi, Belkin have CCC models (Alibaba Electronics)
3How to Check Certification
4Flight Rules for Power Banks
  • Uncertified power banks banned from June 28, 2025 (Trip.com)
  • Only carry-on; no check-in luggage (The Flight Club)
  • Capacity limits: 100Wh (≈27,000mAh) standard, 160Wh max (Trip.com)

Six key facts sum up the regulatory framework — one pattern: every power bank sold or flown in China now must pass the same safety gate.

Fact Value
Standard GB 31241-2022
Mandatory for sale since August 1, 2024
Flight ban effective June 28, 2025
Capacity limit (carry-on) 100Wh (≈27,000mAh)
Certification authority CNCA (Certification and Accreditation Administration of China)
Enforcement body CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China)

The implication: The CCC mark is no longer optional — it’s the single gatekeeper for both sales and air travel.

What power banks are allowed in China?

CCC-certified power banks from Anker, Xiaomi, Belkin, and others

  • Any power bank bearing the CCC mark — a white circle with black “CCC” and a number below — is permitted for sale and domestic use (The Flight Club).
  • Brands such as Anker, Xiaomi, and Belkin have obtained CCC certification for many of their models (Alibaba Electronics).
  • Foreign power banks without the CCC mark may still be carried by international travelers arriving in China, but they are subject to airline rules and could be confiscated on domestic legs (Trip.com).

Power banks with capacity under 100Wh (≈27,000mAh) for flights

  • The standard carry-on limit is 100Wh. At 3.7V, that’s roughly 27,000mAh (Trip.com).
  • Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline approval; over 160Wh is outright prohibited (Trip.com).

Power banks purchased in China after August 2024 must carry CCC mark

  • Since August 1, 2024, all power banks sold in China must be CCC certified (Alibaba Electronics).
  • If you buy a power bank inside China, look for the mark on the product housing, not just the packaging (Our Wander).

The catch: International travelers who carry uncertified power banks are safe on international flights to China, but the moment they board a domestic connection, the rule applies.

Travelers should prioritize a CCC-certified power bank under 100Wh to avoid confiscation on domestic legs.

Which power banks are not allowed in China?

Power banks without CCC certification (for sale/domestic flights)

  • As of June 28, 2025, uncertified power banks are banned on all domestic flights within mainland China (Trip.com).
  • The ban also applies to domestic legs of international connecting flights (Trip.com).

Recalled or uncertified power bank models

  • Counterfeit or unregistered brands may be confiscated at security (The Flight Club).
  • Airlines and airport security may treat power banks that lack any clear brand, model, or capacity marking as non-compliant (Our Wander).

Power banks exceeding airline capacity limits

  • Power banks >160Wh are prohibited on all flights (Trip.com).
  • Devices with damaged batteries or no visible capacity rating are also not allowed (The Flight Club).

What this means: If your power bank lacks the CCC mark or exceeds capacity limits, it’s effectively contraband on any Chinese domestic flight.

The trade-off

Travelers with a 30,000mAh power bank (111Wh at 3.7V) face a double whammy: it exceeds the 100Wh free-carry limit, and if it lacks CCC marking, it’s also banned regardless of capacity. The only safe bet is a CCC-certified unit under 100Wh.

How do I know if my power bank is CCC certified?

Look for the CCC (3C) logo on the power bank or its packaging

  • The CCC mark is a white circle with black “CCC” letters and a certification number printed below (Our Wander).
  • It must be permanently printed on the main housing, not just on the box (Alibaba Electronics).
  • Do not confuse it with the CE mark (European conformity) — they are not interchangeable (The Flight Club).

Check the manufacturer’s website or China’s CCC database

  • Legitimate CCC certificates are issued by CNCA-accredited bodies (Alibaba Electronics).
  • You can verify the certificate number on the CNCA official website (Alibaba Electronics).

Verify the certification number (CCC code) online

  • The number below the CCC logo is unique to each certified product (The Flight Club).
  • Contact the manufacturer if you cannot find the number on the device (Our Wander).

The pattern: A quick visual check and a five-minute online search can save you from confiscation at the airport.

Can I bring a 20000mAh or 30000mAh power bank to China?

20000mAh is generally allowed (under 100Wh)

  • A typical 20,000mAh power bank at 3.7V equals about 74Wh — well under the 100Wh limit (Trip.com).
  • As long as it carries a visible CCC mark, it is permitted on domestic flights (The Flight Club).

30000mAh may exceed 100Wh and is not allowed on flights

  • A 30,000mAh power bank at 3.7V equals 111Wh — exceeding the 100Wh free-carry limit (Trip.com).
  • Without airline approval, it will be rejected at security (The Flight Club).

Check airline and Chinese aviation rules for exact limits

  • The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) enforces these limits (Trip.com).
  • Always confirm with your airline before departure, as some carriers impose stricter rules (Our Wander).

Why this matters: The 20,000mAh sweet spot is safe, but 30,000mAh is a gamble — even if it’s CCC certified, you’ll need prior approval.

What to watch

A 30,000mAh power bank without CCC certification is banned on two counts: capacity and missing mark. The safest travel companion is a CCC-certified unit rated at 20,000mAh or lower.

What is the mandatory national standard for power banks in China?

China announced the mandatory CCC standard in 2022

  • China released the national safety standard GB 31241-2022 for power banks in 2022 (Alibaba Electronics).
  • The standard covers lithium-ion battery safety, overcharge protection, and temperature limits (The Flight Club).

Effective for sale from August 1, 2024

  • As of August 1, 2024, all power banks sold in China must carry CCC certification (Trip.com).
  • This applies to both domestic-manufactured and imported products (Alibaba Electronics).

Flight ban for uncertified units from June 28, 2025

  • The CAAC began enforcing the CCC requirement on all domestic flights from June 28, 2025 (The Flight Club).
  • This enforcement led to widespread confiscations at airport security checkpoints (Our Wander).

The implication: The rule has been on the books since 2024, but the flight ban made it a real-world concern for every traveler.

How to verify your power bank before you fly: a step-by-step guide

  1. Check for the CCC mark. Look for a white circle with black “CCC” and a number on the device housing. If it’s only on the packaging, it’s not sufficient (Our Wander).
  2. Read the capacity rating. Confirm the Wh or mAh. If only mAh is printed, calculate: (mAh × 3.7V) / 1000 = Wh. Keep it under 100Wh for worry-free travel (Trip.com).
  3. Verify the certification number. Go to the CNCA official database (accessible via any search engine) and enter the number below the CCC mark (Alibaba Electronics).
  4. Contact the manufacturer if the number is missing or if you bought the power bank abroad. They can confirm whether the model has CCC certification (The Flight Club).
  5. When in doubt, buy a CCC-certified power bank locally once you arrive in China. Major electronics stores carry Anker, Xiaomi, and Belkin models with the mark (Trip.com).

The payoff: Following these five steps eliminates the risk of confiscation and ensures a smooth airport experience.

Timeline of the CCC power bank regulation

  • — China releases GB 31241-2022 safety standard for power banks (Alibaba Electronics).
  • — CCC certification becomes mandatory for all power banks sold in China (Trip.com).
  • — Uncertified power banks banned on all domestic flights in China (The Flight Club).
  • — Possible enforcement on international flights and stricter import checks (Our Wander).

The takeaway: The regulation has been phased in over three years, and the flight ban is the final enforcement step for now.

Confirmed facts

  • CCC certification mandatory for sale in China since August 1, 2024 (Trip.com).
  • Flight ban on uncertified power banks started June 28, 2025 (The Flight Club).
  • Capacity limits: 100Wh (carry-on) and 160Wh (max with approval) (Trip.com).
  • The CCC mark must be permanently printed on the housing (Alibaba Electronics).
  • The rule applies to domestic flights and domestic legs of international connections (Trip.com).

What’s unclear

  • Whether power banks purchased before August 2024 but without the CCC mark are allowed on flights after the ban (likely not) (Our Wander).
  • Exact enforcement on international travelers arriving in China with uncertified power banks (The Flight Club).
  • How airlines verify CCC certification at check-in — some may rely on visual inspection only (Trip.com).
  • Whether the rule will eventually extend to international flights departing China (Our Wander).
  • Whether the rule applies to power banks used only for personal electronics, not for sale (Trip.com).

What travelers and experts are saying

“From June 28, power banks without the CCC mark are prohibited on domestic flights in mainland China. This includes domestic legs of international connections.”

— Trip.com (travel guide) Source

“The CCC mark must be on the device itself, not just the packaging. Travelers are advised not to confuse it with the CE mark.”

— The Flight Club (travel advisory) Source

The consensus: Both sources agree on the strict enforcement, but uncertainties remain about how international travelers are handled.

For travelers heading to China, the choice is simple: verify your power bank’s CCC certification before you fly, or risk losing it at security. The regulation is here to stay, and with enforcement expected to tighten, the safest move is to carry a CCC-certified power bank under 100Wh. Anything else is a gamble you don’t need.

Travelers flying into China should also check the latest Air China baggage rules to avoid surprises at the gate.

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Frequently asked questions

What does CCC stand for in power bank certification?

CCC stands for China Compulsory Certification, also known as “3C”. It is a mandatory safety mark for electronic products sold in China, including power banks (The Flight Club).

Is it safe to use a power bank without CCC mark in China if I don’t fly?

If you are not flying, you can use an uncertified power bank on the ground. However, it may not be legally sold in China, and you could face issues if authorities inspect your device (Trip.com).

How much does CCC certification cost for manufacturers?

Costs vary depending on the testing laboratory and product complexity, but typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of yuan. This is why some budget brands may not have certification (Alibaba Electronics).

Can I bring a power bank on a train in China without CCC?

As of now, the CCC requirement applies only to air travel. Trains and other ground transport generally allow power banks without the mark, but policies may vary by operator (Our Wander).

What happens if my power bank is confiscated at a Chinese airport?

Confiscated power banks are typically disposed of by security. You will not get it back, so it’s best to leave uncertified units at home or in checked luggage (though check-in is not allowed for power banks) (The Flight Club).

Are power banks from international brands like Samsung or Apple CCC certified?

Some models from major brands are CCC certified, but not all. Check the device or the brand’s website for the certification mark. For example, certain Anker and Xiaomi models are certified, while others are not (Alibaba Electronics).

Does the CCC rule apply to power banks used only for personal electronics, not for sale?

Yes, the flight ban applies regardless of intent. If you carry a power bank on a domestic flight, it must have the CCC mark, even if you are not selling it (Trip.com).

The bottom line: Understanding CCC certification and capacity limits is the only way to avoid losing your power bank at a Chinese airport.

For more insights on navigating China’s regulations, see our related guide: How to Use WhatsApp in China: VPN and eSIM Guide for 2026 and GB/T 7714 Citation Style: A Complete Guide to China’s Standard.