Navigating China's New Power Bank Regulations: What You Need to Know
Understanding the CCC Certification for Power Banks
Let's break down the recent buzz surrounding power bank regulations in China. These changes came into effect quickly, with the announcement on June 26th and implementation on June 28th.
Where the Checks Happen
Keep in mind that these checks are conducted at security checkpoints, and are not related to specific airlines.
What Devices Are Affected?
This regulation primarily targets power banks. While chargers for cameras and laptops aren't directly affected, ensure their batteries aren't swollen and the labels are clear and legible.
Power Banks Facing Restrictions
- Power banks lacking clear labels and information.
- Power banks exceeding 20,000mAh in capacity.
- Power banks without the required 3C (CCC) certification or with faded certification marks. Note that CE or other European certifications are not valid under this regulation.
- Specific recalled models from brands like Anker or Romoss. Even with 3C certification, these models will be confiscated.
Domestic Flights: The Focus of the Regulation
These regulations explicitly apply to domestic flights within China. This includes domestic transit flights connecting to international destinations.
Anecdotal reports suggest that showing your international transit ticket might, in some cases, allow passage in the initial implementation phase, with some security personnel and airports being more lenient. However, strict enforcement is generally the norm.
The regulations do not apply to flights arriving in China from international locations.
Recommendation for Travelers
If you're traveling to China and anticipate domestic transit flights, or if you frequently fly within China, consider purchasing a power bank directly imported from China through e-commerce platforms. Verify with customer service that the power bank has the necessary 3C certification, as not all imported products automatically possess it. Alternatively, purchasing from a physical store and inspecting the product directly is the most reliable approach.
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