CCC Power Banks and Airport Security in China: What Travellers Need to Know
If you’re travelling to China, there’s one rule that surprises a lot of people at the airport: power banks are checked far more strictly than in most other countries.
In fact, your luggage may be checked after you’ve already checked it in. You’re often asked to go to a separate room and open your bag so security staff can inspect items more closely — particularly electronics and batteries.
Yes, it’s a bit annoying, but it’s also serious security, and it’s something travellers should expect.
On our recent trip, we ran into this issue with our power banks — especially on domestic Chinese flights. Here’s what you need to know to avoid having your power bank confiscated at security.
What Is China’s 3C (CCC) Power Bank Rule?
In response to a rise in onboard battery fires, China’s aviation authority (CAAC) has tightened controls around power banks on domestic flights.
The rule itself is simple but strict: any power bank without the official China Compulsory Certification (CCC, also known as 3C) mark is not permitted.
From 1 August 2024, all power banks sold within China have been required to carry the 3C mark. Enforcement became significantly stricter from 28 June 2025, when airport security across China began actively checking for the CCC logo at screening points.
Since then, travellers have reported widespread confiscations of non-compliant power banks, particularly on internal Chinese flights.
This means your own power bank — even if it says “Made in China” — was likely manufactured for an international market and may not carry the CCC logo that Chinese airport security specifically looks for. Without that visible marking, it can still be refused.
What Is CCC Certification?
CCC stands for China Compulsory Certification.
It’s a mandatory safety and quality mark required for many electronic products used or sold in China.
For travellers, this is most relevant for:
- Power banks
- Portable battery packs
- Some chargers and electronic accessories
(On our trip, security also checked things like an electric toothbrush, a neck massager, and an Instax camera.)
If your power bank does not display a CCC mark, it can be refused at airport security, even if it’s perfectly safe and airline-compliant in other countries.
First, check for the CCC mark. It appears as the letters “CCC”, usually inside an oval. Don’t confuse this with the “CE” mark, which is a European standard and not accepted by Chinese aviation security. Power banks with only a CE mark are likely to be confiscated.
Why Power Banks Are Being Stopped at Chinese Airports
China’s CCC system has existed since 2002 as the country’s national product safety standard. Power banks and other lithium battery products were gradually brought under CCC coverage in the mid-to-late 2010s, as their everyday use became more common.
What travellers are seeing now isn’t a brand-new rule — it’s much stricter enforcement.
For years, CCC checks on power banks were inconsistent. That changed around 2023, when airports and airlines across mainland China began inspecting power banks far more regularly, particularly on domestic flights. This followed growing concern over fires and smoke incidents linked to poorly regulated lithium batteries.
The CAAC later formally confirmed this approach, reinforcing that from 28 June 2025, power banks without a visible CCC (3C) mark are prohibited on flights, mainly affecting domestic travel.
What Airport Security Is Checking
To enforce the rule, many mainland airports now have dedicated inspection points at security. Passengers are often asked to remove power banks from their bags so staff can visually inspect the labelling.
Security staff usually look for three things:
- A clearly visible CCC (3C) certification mark
- Readable, intact labelling (not scratched off or worn away)
- Clearly stated capacity information, such as Wh or mAh
If any of these details are missing or unclear, the power bank may be considered non-compliant and can be confiscated on the spot or required to be discarded before you proceed through security.
In short: even if a power bank is safe, high-quality, or previously accepted on other flights, without clear CCC markings it may not make it past airport security in China.
Power Bank Rules on Flights Within China
China follows international lithium battery limits, but with significantly stricter enforcement, especially internally.
Key rules to know:
- Power banks must be carried in hand luggage (never checked baggage)
- Capacity limits:
- Up to 100Wh: allowed without airline approval
- 100–160Wh: airline approval required
- Over 160Wh: not allowed
- CCC marking is often checked, not just capacity
At security, staff may:
- Ask to physically inspect your power bank
- Check for a CCC logo
- Confiscate it if the marking is missing, unclear, or unrecognised
This can happen even if:
- The same power bank was fine on an international flight
- It meets airline watt-hour limits
- It’s from a well-known brand
⚠️ 3C certification is only mandatory for domestic flights within Mainland China.
If you’re travelling on a direct international flight — for example, from Malaysia to Shanghai or from Hong Kong to Beijing — this regulation generally does not apply.
However, if your journey includes a domestic Chinese flight, even as part of an international itinerary (such as Shanghai to Guangzhou to Melbourne), the 3C (CCC) rule does apply on the domestic sector.
Why Domestic Flights Are Stricter
International departures tend to focus on battery size and watt-hours.
Domestic Chinese flights often go further and check:
- Certification markings
- Labelling clarity
- Overall compliance
On our trip, security staff specifically checked for CCC certification during domestic flights, and this was where most of the travellers around us ran into trouble. We were allowed through on this occasion, but it was a clear reminder — next time we travel within China, we’ll make sure our power banks are fully compliant.
How to Check If Your Power Bank Is CCC Approved
Before travelling, check:
- The back or underside of the power bank
- Any printed markings or engravings
You’re looking for:
- A visible CCC logo
- Clear capacity information (Wh or mAh)
If your power bank doesn’t show these clearly, assume it may not be accepted on domestic flights in China.
Practical Tips for Travelling in China
From experience, these tips help avoid stress:
- ✅ Bring one clearly labelled, CCC-approved power bank
- ✅ Keep it easy to access in your carry-on
- ❌ Don’t assume “it worked last time” means it’s fine
- ❌ Avoid carrying multiple power banks — this increases scrutiny
Final Thoughts: Small Detail, Big Impact
Power banks are essential when travelling — especially on long days moving through airports, trains, and cities. But in China, certification matters just as much as capacity.
A quick check before you leave can save you:
- Losing an expensive power bank
- Delays and secondary inspections
- Unnecessary stress at the airport
If you’re heading to China, make sure your power bank isn’t just powerful — make sure it’s CCC compliant.
Further Reading
Where to Buy CCC-Certified Power Banks
If you’re travelling to China — especially on domestic flights — it’s important to choose a power bank that has a visible CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark printed on the unit itself.
Below are some reputable options and brands where CCC-certified power banks are commonly available. Always double-check the product images and description to confirm the CCC logo before purchasing.
Recommended Options
Here are some options available on Amazon.
- LISEN CCC Certified Power Bank 22.5W
- LISEN Mini Portable Charger
- UGREEN CCC Certified 165W Power Bank
Important Note Before You Buy
Always confirm that the CCC (3C) certification logo is clearly printed on the power bank itself (It may be very small).
Certification can vary by model and production batch, even within the same brand.
