Airplane passengers adjust to new power bank regulations

The number of non-compliant power banks carried by passengers through the security checkpoint of Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, has seen a noticeable decrease, according to the airport authorities.

Data from the airport authorities showed a nearly 60 percent reduction in non-compliant power banks on Wednesday, compared to June 28, when the Civil Aviation Administration's new regulations on carrying power banks aboard aircraft took effect.

An increased number of passengers expressed that they have become familiar with the relevant regulations through assorted information channels and have specifically checked whether their power banks comply with the requirements before departure.

The aviation regulator has banned uncertified power banks on domestic flights, citing urgent safety concerns over fires and other hazards linked to lithium batteries.

The new regulations apply to power banks without a valid China Compulsory Certification, or 3C, those with unclear 3C labels, or those subject to product recalls.

The 3C certification is a mandatory safety and quality standard for products sold in China. The country initiated 3C certification for power banks in August 2023, and sales of products without the certification became prohibited in August 2024.

On-site services, such as temporary storage and power bank mailing, have been provided for passengers at the Guangzhou airport as the general population adjusts to the regulation.