Can Foreign Travelers Bring a Power Bank Without a CCC Mark on a Domestic Flight in China?

Quick answer

Yes. A foreign traveler can be stopped at security if a power bank has no clear CCC or 3C mark on a mainland China domestic flight.

Since June 28, 2025, China’s civil aviation authority has prohibited passengers from carrying power banks on domestic flights when the device:

• has no CCC mark;
• has a CCC mark that cannot be read clearly;
• belongs to a recalled model or batch.

There is no stated exemption for foreign passports, products bought outside China, international brands, or devices carrying CE, FCC, or UL marks.

Even if the power bank is under 100Wh, comes from a well-known brand, or says “Made in China,” do not rely on airport security accepting it without a clear CCC mark on the device itself.

First, check whether your flight segment is domestic

This rule is about mainland China domestic flight segments.

For example:

Beijing → Chengdu

This is a domestic segment, so the CCC rule applies.

Another example:

Chengdu → Shanghai → London

The Chengdu-to-Shanghai segment is still a mainland China domestic flight, even though the full journey later continues overseas.

A direct international or regional flight should not automatically be treated the same way. Check the actual airport and operating airline rules for that segment.

Passing through customs when you first enter China does not prove that the same power bank will pass security for a later domestic flight.

What is a CCC or 3C mark?

CCC means China Compulsory Certification. In Chinese, it is commonly called 3C certification.

For airport screening, check the actual power bank.

The following do not replace CCC:

• CE;
• FCC;
• UL;
• “Made in China”;
• a famous international brand;
• a product-page claim;
• the original box;
• a receipt;
• a screenshot of a certificate.

If the mark on the device is missing, worn away, or too unclear to identify, security may treat the power bank as non-compliant.

CCC is only the first check

A clear CCC mark does not guarantee that the power bank can be carried.

You still need to check its energy rating, recall status, physical condition, and your airline’s current rules.

1. Check the rated energy

The basic civil aviation limits are:

• 100Wh or less: normally no airline approval is required;
• more than 100Wh but no more than 160Wh: airline approval is normally required;
• more than 160Wh: prohibited;
• rated energy cannot be confirmed: prohibited.

Do not rely only on a large mAh number. The label must provide enough information to confirm the rated energy.

2. Check whether it has been recalled

A power bank with a valid CCC mark can still be prohibited if its brand, model, or batch is under recall.

Check:

• the State Administration for Market Regulation defective-product recall website;
• the brand’s official recall page;
• your airline’s current travel notice.

Search the exact model and batch, not only the brand name.

3. Check the device condition

Do not travel with a power bank that is:

• swollen;
• cracked;
• leaking;
• overheating;
• burnt around the ports;
• missing important labels;
• otherwise visibly damaged.

Carry-on only

A power bank must be carried with you or placed in carry-on baggage.

It cannot go into checked baggage.

If airport security rejects it, moving it into your checked suitcase is not a solution. Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and are prohibited in checked baggage.

During the flight, do not use the power bank to charge a phone or another device. Do not charge the power bank from an aircraft outlet. If it has a switch, keep it turned off.

Some airlines add stricter requirements. China Eastern, for example, currently limits passengers to two power banks and says they should not be placed in overhead bins. Your operating airline may use different quantity or storage rules, so check again before departure.

What should you do if your foreign power bank has no CCC mark?

Replace it before going to the airport.

Do not take it to security hoping that your passport, the brand, or another safety mark will create an exception.

When checking a replacement device:

1. Inspect the actual power bank, not only the online listing.
2. Confirm that the CCC mark is clear.
3. Confirm that the rated energy can be read.
4. Check the model and batch.
5. Check current recall information.
6. Save the purchase record.
7. Read your airline’s quantity and storage rules.

This article does not recommend a particular product. The question is whether the exact device in your hand meets the rules.

Prepare a backup charging plan

Foreign travelers often depend on their phones in China for:

• mobile payment;
• maps;
• DiDi;
• translation;
• hotel communication;
• train and flight tickets.

If you do not have a compliant power bank:

• fully charge your phone before leaving;
• bring a charging cable and plug;
• use airport charging facilities when available;
• reduce screen brightness;
• close unnecessary background apps;
• save key travel details offline.

Airport charging points can help, but do not assume that every gate or seat area will have a working outlet.

You can also prepare the phone-based tools your China trip depends on and save critical hotel and transport details offline.

If you are still choosing between rail and air, compare domestic flights and high-speed rail for your China route. High-speed rail has separate rules and is not covered by this article.

What happens if security stops the power bank?

Follow the instructions from airport security and airport staff.

Depending on the airport, options may include:

• voluntarily giving up the device;
• temporary storage;
• another local handling process.

Do not assume that every airport offers storage, mailing, free disposal, or later collection. Availability, fees, procedures, and storage periods vary.

Do not argue long enough to risk missing the flight, and do not try to hide the device in checked baggage.

Final pre-flight checklist

Before leaving for the airport:

• identify every mainland China domestic flight segment;
• check the power bank itself for a clear CCC or 3C mark;
• confirm the rated energy;
• check the brand, model, and batch for recalls;
• inspect the device for damage or swelling;
• read the operating airline’s current rules;
• place it in carry-on baggage;
• remove it from checked baggage;
• bring a cable and plug;
• charge your phone;
• save hotel, ticket, and contact details offline.

Bottom line

A foreign traveler should expect a power bank without a clear CCC mark to be rejected at security for a mainland China domestic flight.

Foreign purchase, foreign passport, CE, FCC, UL, brand reputation, and “Made in China” do not replace the required mark.

Check the flight segment first, then check the device itself, its rated energy, recall status, condition, and airline rules. If the CCC mark is missing or unclear, replace the power bank before going to the airport.

Information checked: August 7, 2026