For a flight within mainland China, check the power bank itself before you pack: its CCC (3C) mark must be legible, its rated energy identifiable, and its model must not be in a recalled batch. A device that worked on an international arrival may still be refused at a later domestic security checkpoint.
Check the label and Wh rating
CAAC says a power bank rated at 100Wh or less needs no airline approval. Over 100Wh but no more than 160Wh requires airline approval. Over 160Wh is not permitted. If Wh is not printed but voltage and capacity are, CAAC gives the conversion Wh = V × mAh ÷ 1,000. There is no universal 20,000mAh allowance: the actual voltage and readable product markings matter.
The 2026 ICAO addendum limits each person to two power banks in total, regardless of Wh capacity, effective 27 March 2026. Your airline may be stricter, so check its rules before flying. The CCC/3C restriction below applies to China domestic flights.
Domestic-flight CCC and recall check
Since 28 June 2025, CAAC has barred power banks with no CCC/3C mark, an unclear CCC/3C mark, or a recalled model or batch from domestic flights in China. Check the mark and model before departure; do not assume the same CCC rule applies to every international flight. A damaged, swollen or poorly labelled device is a poor choice for travel.
Pack for inspection
Air China and China Eastern say to keep power banks out of overhead bins throughout the flight, neither recharge them nor use them to power other devices, and store them in carry-on luggage under the seat ahead or in a seat-back pocket. Follow your airline’s instructions.
Keep power banks in carry-on luggage, never checked baggage. Protect spare battery terminals individually against short circuits. Place the device where staff can read its markings without unpacking the entire bag. CAAC also says not to use a power bank to charge devices in flight and to keep its switch off if it has one. For a disputed device, follow airport security instructions; disposal or storage options can vary.
Before flying, check the latest notice from your airline and departure airport. The CCC restriction above is stated for China domestic flights; an international segment may involve other rules.
