China Power Bank Flight Rules 2026: CCC Mark, Wh Limits and Airport Checks

Quick answer: On a mainland China domestic flight in 2026, carry your power bank in hand luggage, make sure its CCC mark and watt-hour rating are clear, and do not bring a recalled model. Units up to 100Wh normally need no airline approval; 100–160Wh units need airline approval and are limited to two per passenger.

China airport security staff now inspect portable chargers for more than battery capacity. A charger that worked on your international flight into China can still be rejected before a domestic connection if it lacks the China Compulsory Certification mark, printed as CCC.

What changed for power banks on China flights?

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) barred power banks with no CCC mark, an unreadable CCC mark, or a recalled model or batch from domestic flights from June 28, 2025. The rule remains the key extra check for travelers flying within mainland China in 2026. It applies at security, so moving the charger from your cabin bag to checked baggage is not a solution.

A phone charging from a portable power bank

The CCC check sits alongside the existing lithium-battery limits:

Power bank label	Domestic flight treatment
Up to 100Wh, clear CCC mark	Usually allowed in hand luggage without airline approval
Over 100Wh and up to 160Wh	Airline approval required; no more than two
Over 160Wh	Not allowed
No readable Wh rating	May be refused if staff cannot calculate the rating
No CCC mark, unclear CCC mark, or recalled batch	Not allowed on mainland domestic flights

Power banks belong in hand luggage or on your person, never in checked baggage. CAAC also says passengers must not use a power bank to charge devices during the flight, and any on-off switch should remain off.

How do you calculate Wh from mAh?

Security decisions use watt-hours, not the large mAh number printed on the front. Use this formula when Wh is not printed but voltage and capacity are clear:

Wh = mAh ÷ 1,000 × voltage

A 20,000mAh bank rated at 3.7V equals 74Wh. A 27,000mAh bank at 3.7V equals 99.9Wh. Do not rely on a calculation if the manufacturer label is rubbed off. Staff need readable original specifications, and the CCC mark still matters for a domestic flight.

Portable charger connected to a smartphone

What should you check before going to the airport?

Find the CCC logo on the body, not only on a removable box or online listing.
Read the Wh value. If only mAh and voltage appear, calculate Wh and keep both numbers visible.
Search the brand and model for recall notices, especially if the unit was bought in China in 2025 or 2026.
Tape over exposed terminals or keep the bank in a separate pouch to prevent a short circuit.
Put it in your cabin bag where security can inspect it quickly.
Ask the airline in advance if it is above 100Wh or if your route uses a small regional aircraft.

Buying a compliant replacement in China can be easier than arguing at security. Keep the receipt and packaging until your final domestic flight. If you are packing other electronics, use our China entry customs guide and essential apps for China before departure.

Common mistakes

Assuming an international approval is enough. CE, FCC, or airline acceptance abroad does not replace the CCC check on a mainland domestic flight.
Putting the charger in checked luggage. Spare lithium batteries and power banks must stay in the cabin.
Reading mAh as Wh. A 20,000mAh label does not mean 20,000Wh.
Using the bank during the flight. CAAC guidance prohibits charging from the power bank in flight.
Ignoring a faded label. An unreadable capacity or CCC logo can lead to refusal even if the product was compliant when new.

Who this guide is for

This guide matters if your China itinerary includes any mainland domestic flight, including a connection such as Shanghai to Zhangjiajie or Beijing to Chengdu. It is also useful for travelers bringing a charger bought outside China.

It is not a substitute for your airline's dangerous-goods policy. International flights departing China can apply carrier and route rules in addition to CAAC limits, so check the operating airline before travel.

Official sources

What to do next

Check the physical label tonight, not in the security queue. If the CCC or Wh marking is missing, replace the unit before your domestic flight. Photograph the model number for your records, but expect security staff to inspect the charger itself.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do power banks need a CCC mark on all flights in China?

The specific CCC restriction applies to mainland China domestic flights. Airlines and security authorities can impose other lithium-battery rules on international sectors, so check each operating carrier.

Can I take a 20,000mAh power bank on a China domestic flight?

Often yes, if the unit has a clear CCC mark and its watt-hour rating is no more than 100Wh. At 3.7V, 20,000mAh equals 74Wh, but the original label must be readable.

Can a power bank go in checked luggage in China?

No. Carry it in hand luggage or on your person, protect it from short circuits, and do not use it to charge a device during the flight.

What happens if my power bank has no CCC logo?

Security can stop it from entering the cabin on a mainland domestic flight. Some airports provide discard or temporary-storage areas, but availability and recovery terms vary, so do not depend on that option.