Flying to China in 2025? What You Need to Know About the New Power Bank Rules

What Travelers Need to Know About China’s 2025 Power Bank Regulations

If you're heading to China in 2025, there’s a small but important detail you might want to check before packing—your power bank. Starting in 2025, only 3C certified power banks will be allowed on flights and high-speed trains. It may seem like a minor change, but it could easily cause problems if overlooked.

China has always been particular about the safety of imported products, and power banks are no exception. The new regulations came about after multiple incidents involving non-certified power banks that overheated, caught fire, or even exploded. These incidents prompted stricter enforcement of the rules. So, to avoid any surprises at security, make sure your power bank is 3C certified, meaning it meets the necessary safety standards for use in China.

What Does 3C Certification Actually Mean for Your Power Bank?

The 3C certification stands for China Compulsory Certification, a mandatory product safety standard required for many items entering China, including power banks. This certification ensures the product has passed safety tests for electrical integrity, heat resistance, and fire hazards.

For power banks, the 3C mark indicates that it meets the safety standards required for use in China. Without it, the power bank could be deemed unsafe, increasing the risk of overheating or other hazards. So, it’s crucial to check for the 3C label before traveling to avoid complications at security.

Can I Bring My Xiaomi or Anker Power Bank to China in 2025?

If you’re traveling with a popular brand like Xiaomi or Anker, you might be wondering if your power bank will make the cut. The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no”—it really depends on whether the power bank is 3C certified.

Both Xiaomi and Anker are trusted international brands, but not all their models are 3C certified. Just because a brand is well-known doesn’t mean every product meets the required standards in China. So, before packing, check the specifications or product packaging for the 3C mark. If it’s missing, it’s best to leave that power bank behind or risk it being confiscated at security.

Tips for Buying a 3C Certified Power Bank Abroad Before Your Trip

You might assume that any power bank bought from a major brand overseas would be fine—but that’s not quite the case for China in 2025. What really matters isn’t just the brand name or specs—it’s whether the power bank has 3C certification, and that’s not something most foreign stores advertise. I had to double-check my Anker model last month, even though I bought it from an official Amazon store. Turns out, only specific batches have the 3C mark printed on the product or packaging.

If you’re shopping outside of China, the safest approach is to look up models that are already sold within China itself. Xiaomi, Baseus, and some Anker models (like the PowerCore Essential 20000) are common picks. Some of them are also sold on AliExpress or shipped from Chinese sellers on Amazon—but you’ll need to dig through the listing to confirm that 3C is clearly stated. If it’s not on the label, it doesn’t count—even if the brand seems reputable. Better to take 10 minutes to check now than to have your power bank left behind at the gate.

Why It’s Crucial to Get Your Power Bank Right Before You Travel

When I was packing for my trip to China, I didn’t think twice about my power bank. It was small, lightweight, and worked perfectly fine—until I hit security at the airport. I was quickly reminded that a 3C certification is now essential, and it wasn’t just a matter of preference. If you don’t have the right power bank, not only could you face the hassle of having it confiscated, but you could also miss out on an essential part of your travel experience: staying powered up.

Imagine being in a foreign country, in the middle of a busy street or on a train, and your phone dies. Your maps, translations, and transportation apps all rely on that battery. Without a certified power bank, you might find yourself in a tricky situation—especially when you realize that in some places, like airports or trains, a non-3C power bank can’t even pass through security. It’s best to get it right from the start, ensuring you stay connected and ready for anything China throws your way.

Ready to Travel with Your Power Bank? Check Out the Full Guide

You’ve checked your flights, packed your passport, maybe even downloaded a few translation apps—but have you double-checked your power bank? This tiny gadget might be the reason your trip starts off smoothly—or hits a snag right at the gate. With China’s 2025 3C certification rule in full effect, your old standby might not make the cut. And let’s be honest, no one wants to explain battery specs to airport security.

So, before you zip up your suitcase, make sure your power bank meets the mark. If it doesn’t have the 3C logo, or if you’re not sure where to find it, don’t risk it.

Our full guide breaks down exactly what counts as compliant, which brands you can trust, and where to buy one before you travel. It’s not just about following rules—it’s about saving yourself time, stress, and maybe a bit of embarrassment.