Power Bank in China, the CCC certification guide to fly without surprises

You are about to board a plane in Shanghai when the security officer stops you: your power bank, that trusty travel companion that has accompanied you halfway around the world, is confiscated. Welcome to the new flight scenario in China, where as of June 28, 2025, thousands of travelers are discovering to their cost the existence of the CCC certification.

If you are planning a trip to China, this guide will prevent you from losing your power bank (and being left with a dead smartphone at the least opportune time).

The CCC rule here are the things to know

From June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has begun to strictly enforce a rule that has already been in effect since August 1, 2024: all power banks must have CCC certification (China Compulsory Certification, also called "3C") to be carried on board.

Why this squeeze? After a series of accidents and fires on board caused from poor quality lithium batteries, Chinese authorities have decided to put things in order. CCC certification ensures that the device meets strict safety and quality standards.

The critical point: even if your power bank is a well-known brand and is marked "Made in China." probably does NOT have CCC certification. Why? Simple: it was produced for export and meets international standards (CE for Europe, FCC for the US), but not the Chinese one.

The numbers of legislation

• Date of sale: CCC obligation from August 1, 2024
• Date flights: application from June 28, 2025
• Maximum capacity: 100Wh (about 27,000 mAh)
• Sanction: immediate confiscation

How to check if your power bank is CCC compliant

Before you leave, devote 30 seconds to this check. It will save you from nasty surprises:

First check the CCC logo

Look for a logo on the surface of the power bank with the letters "CCC" enclosed in an oval. Warning: DO NOT confuse it with the "CE" (European Conformity) mark, which looks similar but is worthless in China.

CCC = OK for China
CE = Confiscated in China (though valid in Europe)

Second step integrityà of the brand

CCC mark must be:

• sbuffered directly on the device (not just a sticker);
• leggable and in good condition (scratched or faded logo = confiscation);
• visible Without having to disassemble anything.

Third check capacity clearly indicated

The capacity in mAh or Wh must be clearly visible. Remember: the limit is 100Wh or about 27,000 mAh. Beyond this threshold, the power bank is prohibited on any flight, with or without CCC.

Domestic flights or also international flights? The big question

On paper, the regulations apply only to domestic flights Chinese. In practice? It is much more complicated. Numerous travelers report confiscations even on direct international flights departing from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The most frequent problem? Connecting flights.

Let's assume a classic case. Flights Milan → Shanghai → Chengdu. The first leg is international, but the second leg is domestic. At the security check for the Shanghai-Chengdu connection, your power bank without CCC is confiscated. Trip ruined.

Our advice: considers the rule valid for ANY flight departing from a Chinese airport., whether domestic or international. At least until enforcement becomes clearer and more uniform.

Where to buy a power bank with CCC certification

To remedy the problem you have several options, depending on how much time you have before departure.

Purchase prhyme of leaving Italy

Timing: Order at least a couple of weeks in advance.

Currently, the only CCC-certified power bank available directly on Amazon UK is the MOMAX Magnetic Powerbank Qi2 model;

• 10,000 mAh capacity;
• CCC certification printed;
• magnetic wireless charging;
• price about 50-60€;
• you can find it on Amazon by clicking here.

This represents The safest solution for those departing from Italy or from Europe, with fast delivery and Amazon warranty. At the moment this product seems to be the only one available directly in Italy. This article will be updated soon as more CCC-certified power banks are made available on Amazon UK.

Purchase in Italy through From Chinese portals (with caution):

Reliable brands such as. Xiaomi, Huawei, Baseus e Anker produce CCC-certified power banks, but make them available only for the Chinese market, which is why you can't find CCC-certified products from these brands on Amazon. You can order them on platforms such as Alibaba, Temu or AliExpress, but consider that:

• High counterfeit risk many fake products without true CCC certification;
• 2 to 8 weeks shipping time;
• no European guarantee;
• possible customs duties or blockage on shipment for further inspection.

Our advice: if you can't find MOMAX available or are looking for alternatives, it is safer to buy directly from China rather than take a chance with import portals.

Buy directly in China

If you arrive in China without a CCC power bank, breathe: it's not the end of the world. In fact, buying directly on the spot might turn out to be the smartest solution, both for the prices and the guarantee of authenticity.

Just land at the airport, you will find stores and convenience stores that sell certified power banks. Sure, the prices are higher than the city average (you pay for convenience), but if you are in a hurry or need to catch a connecting flight, it is the quickest option. A 10,000 mAh power bank here costs around 200-300 yuan (about €25-40).

Once in the city, the possibilities multiply. China's large metropolises are filled with stores of the big electronics chains and official brand stores: Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, Vivo. You walk into one of these ultra-modern stores (you can easily find them in malls or shopping streets) and you are absolutely sure that every power bank for sale has CCC certification. The staff is knowledgeable and many speak basic English. Prices are much better than at the airport: 80-150 yuan (10-20€) for a good 10,000 mAh. In these situations zero risk: everything on sale legally in China is bound to have CCC certification.

Use of alternatives to the power bank

Fast-charge wall charger: bring yourself a 65W GaN rapid charger like this one. In a 20-minute layover at the airport, you charge your smartphone at the 70%. No batteries, no problems.

Rental services: There are power bank rental stations (bike share type) in China. They can be found in malls, stations, airports. They serve Chinese apps such as WeChat or Alipay.

The 4 most frequently asked questions about CCC certification

Can I put the power bank in checked luggage?
Absolutely NO. Power banks are considered dangerous goods and must always travel in carry-on luggage, where they can be monitored. This rule applies worldwide, not just in China.

Do laptops and smartphones also need CCC certification?
No. The regulation only covers portable power banks. Laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras and other devices with built-in batteries are exempt and can travel normally.

If they confiscate it from me, can I get it back?
Very unlikely. Some airports offer temporary storage or shipping services, but these are rare and not guaranteed. In most cases, the power bank is permanently confiscated.

Can I use the power bank without CCC outside the airport?
Yes, no problem. The restriction only applies to flights. You can safely use your uncertified power bank in hotels, restaurants, trains, anywhere--except on planes.

Conclusion better to prepare than to improvise

The CCC rule may seem like a bureaucratic nuisance, but it stems from concrete safety needs. The good news? Once you have a certified power bank, you're good to go for all your trips to China.

Pre-departure checklist:

• check the CCC logo on your power bank (at least 2 weeks in advance)
• if you don't have it, order it on Amazon or Aliexpress (3-4 weeks in advance)
• Plan B, bring a fast-charge wall charger
• save this guide on your phone to consult it at the airport

Safe travels, and may the battery always be with you!

Article updated as of October 2025. Regulations can change: always check the latest provisions on the CAAC website Before traveling.

• work by plane