China has announced stringent new regulations requiring 3C certification for all lithium-ion power banks used in aviation starting August 1, reflecting growing global concerns over battery safety.
This shift comes amid high-profile recalls by Romoss and Anker, which together affected nearly 1.2 million units, underscoring how even established manufacturers face risks due to complex supply chains and raw material inconsistencies. Since the commercial introduction of lithium-ion technology in 1991, failure rates have dramatically improved—from 1 in 200,000 to 1 in 10 million. However, the increasing energy density in modern devices has introduced new safety challenges, particularly in aviation.
Key Highlights
Thermal runaway risks in high-capacity batteries—where temperatures can exceed 150°C—pose serious threats in aircraft environments.
China’s move parallels global trends. Airlines and regulators, including IATA, have been tightening rules on power banks, banning high-capacity units from checked luggage and requiring carry-on storage. These measures aim to prevent in-flight incidents such as spontaneous combustion or short-circuit fires.
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The urgency is compounded by the economic fallout of recalls—such as Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 fiasco—and China’s status as the world’s largest battery producer. Companies like Romoss, which ships over 50 million units annually, face increasing scrutiny, as even a 1% recall represents a significant quality control issue at scale.
As battery energy density rises, so too does the need for robust certification and oversight, making China’s new mandate a critical step in ensuring passenger safety, brand protection, and global compliance.
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