Yes, but your power bank must meet China’s aviation rules. For a domestic flight in mainland China, it must have a clear CCC mark, also called the 3C mark. It must also be carried in your hand luggage, not placed in checked baggage.
This rule can surprise international visitors. A power bank bought overseas may meet European, American, or other safety standards but still lack China’s CCC mark. In that case, airport security may not allow it onto a domestic flight in China.
What Is the CCC Mark?
CCC stands for China Compulsory Certification. It is a Chinese safety certification used for certain products sold in China.
The mark normally looks like three interlocking letter Cs. It may be printed on the back or bottom of the power bank, close to the model number and battery information.
Since June 28, 2025, passengers have not been allowed to carry the following power banks on domestic flights in China:
Check Your Power Bank Before Leaving Home
- Power banks without a CCC mark
- Power banks whose CCC mark is unclear or unreadable
- Models or production batches that have been officially recalled
The rule applies to flights between destinations in mainland China. For example, it applies when flying from Beijing to Xi’an, Shanghai to Chengdu, or Guangzhou to Beijing.
A CE, FCC, UL, UKCA, or other foreign certification does not replace the CCC mark for this domestic-flight requirement.
Check Your Power Bank Before Leaving Home
Look carefully at the label on your power bank before packing it.
You should be able to find:
- A clear CCC or 3C mark
- The rated capacity
- The rated voltage
- The rated energy in watt-hours, shown as Wh
- A readable model number and manufacturer’s information
A power bank with a damaged, faded, or partly missing label may be rejected even if it originally met the rules.
If your overseas power bank has no CCC mark, do not assume it will be accepted because it is from a reputable brand. The airport security officer will check the markings on the actual device.
How Large Can the Power Bank Be?
The capacity rules are based on watt-hours rather than only milliamp-hours.
- 100Wh or less: No advance airline approval is normally needed.
- More than 100Wh but no more than 160Wh: You need airline approval. A passenger may carry no more than two in this range.
- More than 160Wh: Not permitted on a passenger flight.
Most ordinary phone power banks fall below 100Wh. For example, a typical 10,000mAh power bank is often around 37Wh, while a 20,000mAh model is often around 74Wh.
However, check the printed label instead of relying only on the advertised milliamp-hour capacity.
If the watt-hour figure is not shown, it can be calculated:
Wh = voltage × amp-hours
For example, a 20,000mAh power bank is 20Ah. At a rated voltage of 3.7V, it would be:
3.7V × 20Ah = 74Wh
Security staff must be able to read the necessary figures. A power bank may be refused if its capacity cannot be confirmed from its label.
Put It in Your Carry-On Bag
Never pack a power bank in your checked suitcase.
A power bank is treated as a spare lithium battery. It must remain with you in the cabin, either inside your hand luggage or carried separately.
Before checking your suitcase, look through its pockets carefully. Small power banks are easy to forget, especially when they have been placed in an outer pocket with charging cables.
It is sensible to keep the power bank somewhere accessible. Airport security may ask you to remove it from your bag for inspection.
Can I Use the Power Bank During the Flight?
China’s Civil Aviation Administration states that passengers must not use power banks to charge electronic devices during a flight. If your power bank has a switch, keep it turned off while you are onboard.
Charge your phone before boarding. If the aircraft has a seat power outlet or USB port, follow the airline crew’s instructions about whether it may be used.
Individual airlines may apply additional safety procedures, so check your airline’s current baggage information before departure.
What If My Power Bank Does Not Have a CCC Mark?
If you will take a domestic flight in China, the safest choice is not to bring a non-CCC power bank to the airport.
You may decide to travel without one or buy a properly marked model from a reputable retailer in China. Before buying it, inspect the device or packaging and confirm that the model carries a clear CCC mark. Keep the receipt in case you later discover a problem.
Do not buy an unmarked power bank from an informal stall simply because the seller says it is suitable for air travel.
If security rejects your power bank, you may need to surrender it or make other arrangements according to the airport’s procedures. Do not expect to place it in your checked suitcase instead, because power banks are also prohibited from checked baggage.
Does the CCC Rule Apply to International Flights?
The CAAC notice specifically describes the CCC restriction as applying to domestic flights.
Rules affecting an international departure, arrival, or connecting itinerary can depend on the airport, operating airline, and route. If your journey includes an international flight and a separate domestic flight in mainland China, prepare for the domestic rule.
For an international connection at a Chinese airport, check directly with the operating airline before traveling. Do not rely on advice for a different airport or route.
Ruqin’s Practical Tip
Turn over your power bank and photograph its label before your trip. Confirm that the CCC mark, watt-hour rating, and model number are all clear. This one-minute check may save you from losing the power bank at a Chinese airport.
Related China Travel Guides
China Air Travel Guide: Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors
How to Access the Internet in China: VPNs, SIMs, Wi-Fi & Firewall
How to Travel Independently in China Without Speaking Chinese
