Traveling to China? What are the rules for carrying power banks on flights?

Planning a trip to China? In today’s digital world, a power bank is an essential travel accessory. Whether you’re using your phone for navigation, taking photos, or accessing apps such as WeChat and Alipay, you’ll often need to recharge while on the go.

However, if you’re traveling to China or taking a domestic flight within the country, it’s important to be aware of China’s power bank regulations. In particular, domestic flights in China have specific requirements for CCC (3C) certification. A power bank purchased from a reputable retailer in Germany does not automatically meet these requirements.

1. What are China’s rules for power banks on flights?

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), since June 28, 2025, passengers have been prohibited from carrying the following power banks on domestic flights within China:

• Power banks without a CCC (3C) certification mark.
• Power banks with a CCC mark that is unclear or illegible.
• Power banks belonging to recalled models or batches.

There are also restrictions based on rated energy capacity:

Rated energy	Carry-on rules
≤ 100 Wh	No airline approval required
> 100 Wh and ≤ 160 Wh	Airline approval required; maximum of two per passenger
> 160 Wh	Not permitted

Please note that the CCC requirement applies to domestic flights within China. For international flights, you must also follow the regulations of the departure and destination countries, as well as your airline’s own rules.

2. How many mAh is 100 Wh?

When buying a power bank, we usually look at its capacity, such as 10,000 mAh or 20,000 mAh. However, for air travel, the key measurement is its rated energy in watt-hours (Wh).

For a typical power bank with a nominal voltage of 3.7 V, the calculation is:

Wh = mAh × V ÷ 1,000

Here are some examples:

Capacity	Energy (approx.)	Carry-on rules
10,000 mAh	37 Wh	No approval required
20,000 mAh	74 Wh	No approval required
26,800 mAh	99 Wh	No approval required
30,000 mAh	111 Wh	Airline approval required

For most trips, a 10,000 mAh or 20,000 mAh power bank is more than sufficient. These capacities are generally below the 100 Wh limit, so no additional airline approval is usually needed.

Please note that these figures are estimates based on a nominal voltage of 3.7 V. For air travel, the rated energy (Wh) printed on the power bank itself is what matters, not just the mAh capacity stated on the packaging.

3. What should you look for when buying a power bank for China?

If you plan to take domestic flights in China, keep the following points in mind when choosing a power bank:

• CCC (3C) certification mark: This is particularly important for domestic flights in China. The CE mark commonly found on products sold in Germany does not replace China’s CCC certification.
• A clearly visible mark: The CCC mark must be clearly legible on the power bank itself.
• Clear technical specifications: The capacity, voltage and rated energy should be clearly stated on the device.
• No more than 100 Wh: If you want to avoid seeking additional airline approval, choose a power bank rated at 100 Wh or less.
• 10,000 or 20,000 mAh: These capacities are generally sufficient for everyday travel.
• Not subject to a recall: Before purchasing and traveling, check whether the model or batch has been recalled.

Important: Even if a product listing claims CCC certification, make sure the actual power bank you receive carries a clearly visible CCC mark.

4. Recommended CCC-certified power banks for your trip to China

If you’re shopping for a power bank in Germany before traveling to China, take a look at the following models. Their capacities are suitable for everyday travel. Before purchasing, however, make sure to check the exact model, certification mark and technical specifications.

Here are our selected power banks: