Emergency Management Ministry Clarifies New 3C Regulations: Power Banks Only, Misinterpretation of Camera Battery Restrictions

In a move that’s sent ripples through the travel and tech industries, China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has rolled out a new directive restricting the carriage of power banks on domestic flights, effective June 28th. This announcement follows a series of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, raising concerns about in-flight safety.

The new regulations, however, have sparked confusion among travelers. Reports of airport security personnel querying the allowance of camera batteries, which are often not 3C certified, have led to widespread anxiety.

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Emergency Management has issued clarifications addressing key passenger questions.

Here’s a breakdown of what travelers need to know:

Can camera batteries come along for the ride?

The short answer is yes. The new stipulations are *exclusively* aimed at power banks and do not apply to lithium batteries used in cameras, drones, or other electronic devices.

Airport authorities across several regions have clarified the misunderstanding, emphasizing the directive’s limited scope. One airport official stated that the misinterpretation was due to a misunderstanding among ground staff, highlighting the need to refine training and improve communication.

What exactly is restricted under the new CAAC regulations?

The restrictions are limited to power banks that fall into one of three categories:

As stated in the official notice, the following power bank types are prohibited on domestic flights: those without a 3C certification mark, those with an illegible 3C mark, and those that have been recalled.

What prompted this tightening of regulations?

The CAAC points to a growing number of incidents involving lithium-ion battery-related events onboard flights.

Furthermore, recent recalls by major power bank manufacturers, citing safety issues with battery cells, have prompted increased scrutiny and action by government bodies. In cases where these actions include withdrawals of the 3C certification from several manufacturers, this has further emphasized the potential risk represented by power banks.

In response, the CAAC is taking steps to address these safety concerns.

What is 3C Certification?

The 3C mark, meaning China Compulsory Certification, is a product compliance system designed to protect consumer safety and national security. It is based on legal and regulatory measures.

Many products, including household appliances, electronics, and automotive components, must undergo this certification process to be manufactured, sold, or imported into China. This certification is mandatory.

Products that have successfully completed the certification process are marked with the CCC logo (a stylized “CCC” mark). Consumers should lookout for this stamp to ensure the product meets the necessary compliance standards.

How should travelers handle lithium batteries for cameras and other devices?

Existing regulations regarding lithium batteries for cameras, drones, and similar devices remain unchanged.

According to CAAC guidelines, personal electronic devices containing lithium or lithium-ion batteries (e.g., watches, calculators, cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and camcorders) should be carried in carry-on luggage. Furthermore, lithium metal batteries must not exceed a lithium content of 2 grams. Lithium-ion batteries are limited to a rated power of 100Wh.

Devices with batteries exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh may be permitted if approved by the airline and carried in either checked or carry-on luggage. Lithium batteries exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited.

What support measures are in place following this new directive?

The focus, as ever, is on passenger safety.

Airport security will increase its vigilance regarding the inspection of power banks. Travelers are also offered a convenient location to dispose of or temporarily store power banks.

Many airports are planning to install and maintain additional charging stations within terminals, to help passengers conveniently charge their devices.