China Power Bank Limit 2026: 3C Rules, mAh Limits & Flight Checklist
China's power bank rules for flights are stricter than many travelers expect. Power banks must stay in carry-on luggage. Ones at or below 100Wh don't need airline approval; ones above 100Wh and at or below 160Wh need advance airline approval and are limited to two per passenger. Domestic flights in China also require a clear 3C / CCC certification mark.
Quick airport check
- Carry power banks in your cabin bag, never checked luggage.
- Check the printed Wh rating. If only mAh and voltage are shown, calculate Wh before you travel.
- For mainland China domestic flights, make sure the 3C / CCC mark is visible and readable.
Official rules used for this guide
Official sources checked: July 13, 2026
See CAAC's power bank capacity and carriage rule and its English notice on the domestic-flight CCC requirement.
China Power Bank Capacity Rules: 100Wh vs 160Wh
Domestic flight in China: passing the capacity check is not enough. The power bank must also have a clear CCC mark and must not be from a recalled model or batch.
| Printed or calculated rating | Capacity verdict | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 100Wh or below | Allowed by capacity | No airline approval required under the CAAC capacity rule. Check the airline's quantity policy. |
| Above 100Wh to 160Wh | Allowed with airline approval | Contact the airline before travel. Maximum two per passenger, in carry-on luggage only. |
| Above 160Wh | No | Do not bring it to the airport. |
| Rating cannot be verified | No | CAAC prohibits a power bank when its Wh rating is not printed and cannot be calculated from other label information. |
Even if your power bank is under the limit, it still can't go in checked luggage. Keep it in your carry-on bag or on your person. CAAC also says don't use a power bank to charge devices during the flight and keep its power switch off.
Convert mAh to Wh Before You Fly
Wh = mAh × nominal voltage ÷ 1000
Use the nominal battery voltage printed on the power bank label. Don't use an assumed voltage or the USB output voltage.
- 20,000mAh at 3.7V: 20,000 × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = 74Wh, below the 100Wh threshold.
- 30,000mAh at 3.7V: 30,000 × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = 111Wh, so advance airline approval is required and the two-unit limit applies.
mAh alone is not enough because Wh depends on voltage. When the label already prints a Wh value, use that value and make sure it is readable.
Domestic China Flights vs International Flights
Domestic flight in China
Apply the Wh and carry-on rules above. Since June 28, 2025, a power bank must also have a clear CCC mark and must not be from a recalled model or batch.
International or connecting flight
The June 2025 CAAC CCC notice specifically covers domestic flights. Check the airline and every departure, transit, and destination airport because an international itinerary can involve additional rules.
How to Check the 3C or CCC Mark
3C is a common shorthand for China Compulsory Certification (CCC). For a domestic flight in China, look for a clear CCC logo on the power bank itself and make sure the capacity label is readable. A CE or FCC mark is not a substitute for the CCC mark.
Also check whether the manufacturer, model, or production batch has been recalled. If the CCC logo or capacity info is worn off, don't expect security staff to figure out your power bank's specs — leave it behind.
If Airport Security Rejects Your Power Bank
- Don't move it into checked luggage.
- Ask airport staff if they offer temporary storage or another way to dispose of it — not every airport has this.
- If nothing works, leave the power bank behind and buy a compliant one after you land.
China Power Bank Flight FAQ
Is a 20000mAh power bank allowed on flights in China?
Usually, but check the printed Wh rating or calculate it from the printed nominal voltage. A 20,000mAh power bank at 3.7V is 74Wh, below the 100Wh threshold. It must stay in carry-on luggage, and mainland China domestic flights also require a clear CCC mark and a model that is not recalled.
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage in China?
No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must stay in your carry-on luggage. Don't pack them in checked baggage.
Do China domestic flights require a 3C or CCC mark?
Yes. Since June 28, 2025, CAAC has prohibited power banks without a CCC mark, with an unclear CCC mark, or from recalled models or batches on domestic flights in China. 3C is a common shorthand for the same China Compulsory Certification mark.
What should I do if my power bank has no 3C mark?
For China domestic flights, the safest choice is to leave it behind or buy a compliant power bank after you land. Do not rely on airport staff making an exception.
Can I carry a power bank between 100Wh and 160Wh?
Only with airline approval before travel. CAAC allows no more than two power banks above 100Wh and at or below 160Wh per passenger, and they must remain in carry-on luggage. A power bank above 160Wh is prohibited.
How do I convert power bank mAh to Wh?
Use Wh = mAh × nominal voltage ÷ 1000. Use the nominal battery voltage printed on the label, not an assumed voltage. For example, 20,000mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 74Wh.
Does the China CCC power bank rule apply to international flights?
The June 2025 CAAC CCC notice specifically applies to domestic flights in China. For an international or connecting itinerary, follow the airline rules and the requirements of every departure, transit, and destination airport. The carry-on-only and Wh limits still need to be checked.
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