Can I bring my power bank on flights inside China?

Since 28 June 2025 the Civil Aviation Administration of China bans power banks with no 3C (CCC) mark, an unclear mark, or a recalled model/batch from mainland domestic flights. The rule keys on the printed mark, not on where you bought the unit or your nationality: a bank with only CE, UL, FCC or PSE marks fails. Airport security at Shanghai Hongqiao told reporters on day one that foreign-made banks without 3C do not pass.

A first-week press claim that foreign-made power banks were exempt was contradicted by security desks, by the notice text (which has no origin-based exception) and by a year of enforcement reports — treat it as false for domestic flights.

The notice text covers domestic flights only. For international and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan departures from the mainland the earlier rule is what remains in force: ≤100 Wh, energy rating legible, carry-on only. Individual reports from Shanghai Pudong (August 2025, May 2026; anonymous forum posts) describe non-CCC banks passing on international departures, while press and a tech journalist's account describe some airports checking 3C in international lanes too — especially where domestic and international passengers share a checkpoint. “Usually passes” is the honest summary; ask your airline or the airport before you rely on it.

The trap is the connection: fly Tokyo→Shanghai→Beijing and the Shanghai→Beijing sector is domestic, so your foreign bank is stopped there. Arrival screening does not exist for cabin items; the problem starts at your next mainland departure.

Trains are different. China Railway's rule is “clearly marked, ≤100 Wh per unit” and the railway operator confirmed in July 2025 that trains do not check 3C. We found no national 3C requirement for metros; each city publishes its own prohibited-items list — follow the local one.

Capacity rules have not changed since the 2014 CAAC announcement: ≤100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with airline approval and at most two units, over 160 Wh prohibited, never in checked baggage, and no charging devices from a power bank in flight. Airlines may be stricter than the announcement — check yours. Wh = V × mAh ÷ 1000 — a 20,000 mAh bank rated at 3.7 V is 74 Wh.

If yours is stopped: airports offer discard, in-terminal courier mailing, or storage. Reported examples: Beijing Capital held banks 7 days free (CCTV report, July 2026); Guangzhou Baiyun charged ¥20 a day (July 2025). Fees and periods differ by airport and change; courier acceptance varies. Or buy a compliant bank on arrival: every power bank legally sold in mainland China since 1 August 2024 must carry the 3C mark — still check the mark, the rated energy printed on the unit and that the model is not on a recall list yourself.

A new national standard (GB 47372-2026, issued 31 March 2026, effective 1 April 2027) and a traceability QR code beside the 3C mark (required on new certifications from 1 March 2026 and on all certified products from 1 March 2027) are manufacturer obligations. No CAAC rule ties boarding to the QR code or the new standard; MIIT stated in April 2026 that already-certified banks remain boardable.