Among the various rules when taking a plane flightthere are restrictions on delicate equipment, one of them being external batteries. As much as you need them to charge your cell phone and laptop when there are no outlets, not all of them are allowed.
Mainly, it is due to high fire risk from such devices due to its watt-hour (Wh) capacity and likelihood of generating short circuits. So, it is something that endangers all passengers if an incident occurs.
This is why portable batteries of more than 160 Wh are prohibited, while othersthose that are between 100 Wh and 160 Wh They usually require prior authorization in Spain and all countries in the world due to the rules of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
However, it seems that these limits are not enough for China, which has generated new restrictions on the aforementioned devices to maintain the greatest possible security within airlines.
New safety standards for portable batteries on flights arrive in China
Power Banks are very important for times when there are blackouts or power outages and for have a reserve in emergency situationsbut when you have to take a plane flight, things are different, because you must be very careful.
From Hicomm they report that the demands of the IATA Regarding the use of external batteries in airplanes, they are becoming increasingly stricter with some regulatory additions, specifically, by China.
To be clearer, portable chargers carried by passengers will be thoroughly checked for check that they comply with 3C certificationalso known as CCC, something like what the EC does in Europe.
Basically, it works to maintain a range of safety and quality, being consolidated in June 2025. Established by the Chinese government, it is now seeking to extend the restrictions by June 2026 in order to achieve the “no fire, no ignition, no cracks and no leaks” requirement.
The aforementioned measures are due to the increasing cases of ignition incidents during flights, where Unregulated external batteries have been the source of the problem. To prevent this kind of situation in the future, the Chinese Electronics Standardization Institute has made this proposal.
The 3C certificate is no longer sufficient and this could also mean a major change in the external battery industry. For example, opt for options other than lithium with chemical formulas and technologies that maintain quality, but also safety.
The idea is that they are no longer products that are susceptible to catching fire easily and prevent short circuits. Another way that it can impact the market is the price.
The fact that new materials have to be used that are probably more expensive due to demandsthe price of these accessories will increase.
Currently, the changes have not been made, but it will be in conversation until December 11, 2025 and if validated, andIt will come into force from June 2026.
In Spain, the regulations for the energy capacity of the battery and the location during the flight are maintained, since here there is no product certification seal like the 3C, but there are the restrictions of the AESA y EASA.