Power banks on flights in China
Carry no more than two power banks in total in cabin baggage, never in checked luggage. The CCC (3C) mark requirement applies to flights within mainland China, including domestic connections, but does not apply to international flights into or out of China. Capacity limits and the operating airline's rules still apply to international flights.
Official rules checked: October 22–24, 2026. Sources below
The CCC (3C) mark
CE or FCC markings do not replace CCC.
On flights within mainland China, each power bank needs a clear CCC mark and must not be from a recalled model or batch. This also applies to a domestic connection on an international itinerary.
For example, on London–Shanghai–Xi'an, the CCC requirement applies to Shanghai–Xi'an. On the return journey, it applies to Xi'an–Shanghai. The international flights between London and Shanghai are outside this CCC requirement.
Even if your power bank has a CCC mark, check its exact model and batch against the manufacturer's recall notice or SAMR's consumer product recall list (in Chinese).
Capacity limits: 100Wh and 160Wh
China's aviation regulator (CAAC) sets these capacity limits in watt-hours (Wh). Air China and China Eastern use them; other airlines may be stricter about power banks above 100Wh.
| Capacity | Rule |
|---|---|
| 100Wh or below | No airline approval needed. |
| Above 100Wh, up to 160Wh | Airline approval required before travel. |
| Above 160Wh | Not permitted. |
| Rating cannot be verified | Not permitted if Wh is missing and cannot be calculated from the label. |
Converting mAh to Wh
If Wh is not printed, calculate it from the label: Wh = mAh × nominal voltage ÷ 1000. Use the battery's nominal voltage, not the USB output voltage.
- 20,000mAh at 3.7V = 74Wh: no airline approval needed.
- 30,000mAh at 3.7V = 111Wh: requires approval from the airline operating your flight.
On board: storage and charging
Air China and China Eastern require power banks to stay out of overhead bins. Keep them in a bag under the seat or in the seat-back pocket.
Neither airline allows you to charge a power bank from aircraft power or use one to charge a phone or other device on board. If it has a power switch, leave it off.
If airport security refuses your power bank
Temporary storage may be available for collection on your return; ask the airport about availability and collection deadlines.
Official sources
- CAAC: CCC marks and recalled power banks on domestic flights — effective June 28, 2025; English notice published July 9, 2025.
- CAAC: capacity limits and the Wh calculation — August 7, 2014 (Chinese).
- ICAO: two-bank limit and charging restrictions — March 27, 2026 addendum, Table 8-1 (PDF).
- Air China: power-bank and lithium-battery rules — August 4, 2026 (Chinese; checked October 22).
- China Eastern: lithium-battery carriage rules — sections 2–4 cover CCC, quantity, capacity and on-board use.
Continue your China travel check
Next checkHotels in ChinaForeign-passport check-in, room types and guest registration.Back to travel essentialsLast updated: October 24, 2026