As of July 1, 2025, China's Civil Aviation Administration has restricted travelers from bringing aboard some portable batteries amid escalating concerns regarding safety risks linked to these devices. This swift regulation followed a series of recalls impacting millions of batteries from major manufacturers due to fire hazards.
Numerous airlines internationally have been tightening their policies on battery use aboard flights throughout the year, yet China's approach has stood out by completely banning specific devices instead of issuing heightened guidelines for their storage and usage. Many travelers arriving at Chinese airports recently were dismayed to learn that their common portable batteries were banned, leading to discussions about the necessity of this sudden action.
The notice from China's aviation authority highlighted that only batteries that clearly indicated having passed Chinese safety standards would be permitted in cabin baggage. The decision comes after numerous recalls in the industry due to instances of batteries catching fire during flights. The regulatory body also mentioned that several manufacturers' certifications had been revoked over ongoing safety concerns, underlining the potential risks associated with traveler-carrying batteries.
Two major battery manufacturers in China have announced recalls in recent weeks. Anker, a leading global battery company, reported recalling more than a million power banks in the U.S. due to potential fire risks linked to their lithium-ion cells. Following similar issues in China, Anker expanded its recall efforts. Another company, Romoss, similarly recalled several models due to concerns with their battery cells, indicating a growing problem within the portable battery sector.
As these developments unfold, travelers and industry representatives alike are left navigating through this expedited policy shift amid wider global calls for stricter regulations on battery safety in aviation.
Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news.
Numerous airlines internationally have been tightening their policies on battery use aboard flights throughout the year, yet China's approach has stood out by completely banning specific devices instead of issuing heightened guidelines for their storage and usage. Many travelers arriving at Chinese airports recently were dismayed to learn that their common portable batteries were banned, leading to discussions about the necessity of this sudden action.
The notice from China's aviation authority highlighted that only batteries that clearly indicated having passed Chinese safety standards would be permitted in cabin baggage. The decision comes after numerous recalls in the industry due to instances of batteries catching fire during flights. The regulatory body also mentioned that several manufacturers' certifications had been revoked over ongoing safety concerns, underlining the potential risks associated with traveler-carrying batteries.
Two major battery manufacturers in China have announced recalls in recent weeks. Anker, a leading global battery company, reported recalling more than a million power banks in the U.S. due to potential fire risks linked to their lithium-ion cells. Following similar issues in China, Anker expanded its recall efforts. Another company, Romoss, similarly recalled several models due to concerns with their battery cells, indicating a growing problem within the portable battery sector.
As these developments unfold, travelers and industry representatives alike are left navigating through this expedited policy shift amid wider global calls for stricter regulations on battery safety in aviation.
Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news.
