Power banks have certain safety hazards in special environments such as high altitude and low voltage due to the presence of lithium batteries inside. Therefore, the Civil Aviation Administration of China has strict regulations on the energy, quantity, and certification carried by power banks. As the source manufacturer of power banks, we are often asked by foreign trade customers and gift companies, “What kind of power banks can be carried on airplanes?” This article combines the latest aviation regulations in 2025 to take everyone to understand in detail!
1. Energy limitation and carrying quantity
power banks with energy ≤ 100Wh can be directly carried on the plane. If 100Wh<power bank energy ≤ 160Wh, they can be carried on the plane with the approval of the airline. If the power bank energy>160Wh, they are prohibited from being carried on the plane. Please refer to the following table for details:
The latest aviation portable standard for power banks in 2025
| Power bank energy (Wh) | Can you carry it | Can it be checked in | Quantitative restriction | Airline approval requirements |
| ≤100Wh | ✅Can | × Prohibited | ≤ 2 per person | need not |
| 100Wh＜X≤160Wh | ✅Approval required | × Prohibited | ≤ 2 per person | must! Apply 24-48 hours in advance |
| ＞160Wh | × Prohibited | ×Prohibited | 0 | —— |
Important Notice:
-Prohibited from use throughout the flight: Power bank must be turned off throughout the flight to prevent accidental activation of the device.
-Prohibited for shipment: No power banks are allowed for shipment and must be carried with you. Large quantities must be transported through dangerous goods shipping channels (single box ≤ 10kg).
-Appearance requirements: The power bank should have a good appearance, without bulges, leaks, cracks, and clear labeling.
How to calculate my power bank energy (Wh)?
Formula: Wh=V (voltage) x Ah (ampere hour) or Wh=V x (mAh/1000)
Example: 20000mAh (20Ah), 3.7V power bank: 3.7V x 20Ah=74Wh (≤ 100Wh, portable)
Tip: Common 10000mAh/20000mAh power banks (voltage 3.7V/5V) are mostly within 74Wh, so you can carry them with confidence.
2 Latest certification requirements for 2025
2.1 Flights within China
Starting from June 28, 2025, power banks carried on flights within China must pass the 3C certification (the certificate status can be found on the official website of the Certification and Accreditation Administration), have a good appearance, no bulges, leaks, cracks, clear markings, and not be included in the recall list of the State Administration for Market Regulation ..
2.2 International flights&cross-border e-commerce exports
International flights and cross-border e-commerce exports require certification based on the target market, such as CE (European Union), UL (United States), PSE (Japan). The specific certification requirements are shown in the table below:
Global Market Mainstream Certification List
| Market | Certification | Certification nature | Notes |
| European Union | CE-EMC、CE-LVD | Compulsory certification | Printing only CE letters ≠ true compliance, NB number required |
| RoHS | Recommended
certification |
Environmental
certification, restriction of harmful substances |
|
| America | UL2056 | Highly recommended | Product safety certification |
| FCC | Compulsory certification | Detection of electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic radiation issues | |
| Japan | PSE Circular logo | Compulsory certification | Mobile power bank only requires a circular PSE (non-specific electrical appliance) |
| Korea | KC | Recommended certification | Can enhance product competitiveness |
| Global Aviation | UN38.3 | Compulsory certification | Lithium battery transportation safety test, mandatory for air transportation |
| MSDS/SDS | Required files | Chemical Safety Data Sheet |
Note: For uninstalled lithium batteries, if the number of batteries in each package exceeds 24 cells or 12 batteries, they must pass a 1.2m drop test.
3 Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a 20000mAh portable power bank be carried on an airplane?
Answer: When the standard voltage is 3.7V: 20000mAh=74Wh (≤ 100Wh), you can carry 2 with you
Q2: Can I use a portable power bank on the airplane?
Answer: Prohibited from use throughout! The power switch must be turned off to prevent accidental contact
Q3: Can power banks be checked in?
Answer: Shipping is prohibited under any circumstances! Must carry the cabin with you.
Q4: How can I confirm the Wh of my portable power bank?
Answer: Check the “rated energy (Wh)” on the product label, or calculate according to the formula: Wh=V × (mAh/1000)
4 Choose a compliant and reliable power bank manufacturer
Brand owners must strictly evaluate the certification qualifications, patent research and development, production system, full chain quality control, supply chain guarantee, and after-sales service of mobile power manufacturers when choosing them! For detailed information, please refer to: How to find a professional and reliable power supply OEM factory?
As a power bank source manufacturer with over 20 years of deep cultivation in the industry, joway:
√ Strictly comply with the regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
√ Support full range certification and provide target market access certification according to customer needs
√ Support OEM/ODM/gift customization services
If you are looking for a reliable, compliant, and fully certified power bank manufacturer, please feel free to contact us at any time! We will provide you with customized power bank service solutions!
