In recent weeks, major power bank brands like ROMOSS and Anker have issued large-scale recalls affecting over a million units. This sudden wave of safety concerns has triggered a nationwide response, including stricter airport regulations, widespread consumer confusion, and growing awareness about battery safety. If you're wondering whether your power bank is still safe to carry on a flight—or even safe to use at all—this guide will help you understand what’s happening, why it matters, and how to protect yourself.
👉 Discover how to identify a safe, compliant power bank in seconds.
What’s Happening with Power Bank Recalls?
Early June marked the beginning of what’s now being called the largest recall event in consumer electronics history. First, several universities in Beijing banned ROMOSS power banks in dormitories due to fire risks. Then, on June 16, ROMOSS officially announced a recall of 491,700 units across three models. Just days later, Anker Innovation followed suit, recalling 713,000 units across seven models.
These aren’t minor brands—they represent two pillars of the market: ROMOSS as a budget-friendly leader and Anker as a premium favorite. Their simultaneous recalls sent shockwaves through the industry and among everyday users.
The core issue? Safety flaws in battery design and manufacturing, particularly involving thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction that can lead to fires or explosions.
Compounding the problem, logistics companies like SF Express and JD Logistics refused to transport recalled units, citing safety risks. Consumers were left stranded, unable to return potentially hazardous devices. The hashtag “Power Bank Can’t Be Returned” even trended on Weibo.
New Air Travel Rules: What You Must Know
On June 26, China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) issued an emergency directive effective June 28:
Passengers are now prohibited from bringing onto domestic flights any power bank that:
- Lacks a visible 3C certification mark
- Has an unclear or non-permanent 3C label
- Belongs to a recalled model or batch
This rule applies regardless of brand reputation or price point. Even high-end models without proper labeling are not allowed.
Airports across the country have since seen piles of confiscated power banks at security checkpoints. In Shenzhen, passengers can temporarily store non-compliant devices; elsewhere, disposal is the only option.
Misinformation spread quickly—some travelers reported being told camera batteries were banned at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. Officials later clarified this was a misinterpretation by staff. For now, spare batteries for cameras, drones, and small electronics like electric toothbrushes remain permitted.
Understanding 3C Certification: Your Safety Checklist
The term 3C certification—short for China Compulsory Certification—has become central to this crisis. It's a mandatory safety standard for products that impact public health, safety, and environmental protection.
For power banks, 3C testing includes:
- Overcharge protection
- Over-discharge prevention
- Short-circuit safeguards
- Temperature monitoring
- Mechanical durability
Only power banks passing these tests receive the official 3C mark—and crucially, the mark must be permanently printed or engraved on the device itself, not on packaging or as a removable sticker.
How to Check Your Power Bank
Flip your device over and look for these key symbols:
- 环保使用期限 (Environmental-Friendly Use Period) – Indicates lifespan (e.g., 5 years). If your device exceeds this age, retire it.
- Do Not Dispose in Fire – Standard warning.
- WEEE Symbol (Wheelie Bin with Crossed-Out Line) – Signals EU waste directive compliance; must be recycled properly.
- Recyclable Lithium-ion Battery (Triangle Arrows + LI-ION) – Confirms recyclability.
- 3C Mark – The most critical one. Must be clear and permanent.
Other common labels like CE (Europe), FCC (USA), RoHS (hazardous substances), or UKCA (UK) are helpful but not sufficient for Chinese aviation rules.
👉 Learn how to spot fake certifications before your next trip.
Why Do Power Banks Explode?
Lithium-ion batteries work by shuttling ions between electrodes through an electrolyte. While efficient, this process generates heat. Under normal conditions, safety systems regulate temperature and current flow.
But when protections fail—due to poor design, physical damage, overheating, or manufacturing defects—the battery can enter thermal runaway:
- Internal short circuits cause rapid heating
- Electrolyte breaks down into flammable gas
- Cathode material releases oxygen
- Result: Fire or explosion fueled by heat, fuel, and oxidizer
Unlike regular fires, battery fires are extremely difficult to extinguish because they generate their own oxygen. Firefighters often let them burn out in controlled environments.
Anker’s recall cited a supplier’s unauthorized change in separator film material—thin insulation between electrodes—which could degrade over time and trigger internal shorts.
ROMOSS faced deeper criticism. As early as 2019, tech reviewers found some models lacked temperature sensors and used flimsy wiring between components—basic safety oversights in a mass-market product.
Compare that to ultra-cheap power banks sold at train stations for $5–$10: many contain bare lithium cells with zero protection circuits. These “zombie batteries” are ticking time bombs.
Even reputable brands aren't immune. Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack, while undoubtedly safe, lacks a visible 3C mark—so experts recommend leaving it home until clarification from authorities.
How to Safely Dispose of a Recalled Power Bank
Since most carriers won’t accept recalled units for return shipping, both ROMOSS and Anker recommend self-disposal via saltwater immersion:
- Fill a large container with water
- Add 250g of table salt and stir until dissolved
- Submerge the power bank completely for at least 24 hours
- Place it in a metal box labeled “Hazardous Waste”
- Dispose of it in a designated hazardous waste bin
This process safely discharges residual energy and reduces explosion risk during disposal.
How to Buy a Safe Power Bank Moving Forward
With online抽查 (random inspections) showing nearly 44.4% of power banks failed safety tests in 2023, choosing wisely is more important than ever.
Here’s your updated buying guide:
✅ Do:
- Look for a permanent 3C mark directly on the device
- Choose mainstream brands from authorized retailers
- Opt for 10,000mAh models—they’re under the 100Wh airline limit and safer than larger ones
- Consider lithium-polymer (Li-Po) cells, which are more stable than traditional lithium-ion
❌ Don’t:
- Buy extremely cheap or unbranded units ("three-no products": no name, no address, no certification)
- Trust "3C贴纸" (fake certification stickers) sold online—these have been removed from e-commerce platforms
- Use old power banks beyond their environmental use period
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I bring my camera spare battery on a plane?
A: Yes. Spare batteries for cameras, drones, and small personal devices are currently exempt from the new rules.
Q: Does every power bank need a 3C mark now?
A: Yes. Since August 2023, all lithium-ion batteries and mobile power banks sold in China must pass 3C certification.
Q: I have a recalled ROMOSS or Anker power bank—can I still use it?
A: No. Even if it works fine now, it poses a fire risk. Follow the saltwater disposal method immediately.
Q: How do I calculate watt-hours (Wh) from mAh?
A: Use the formula: (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000 = Wh. Most power banks use 3.7V. Example: 20,000mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 74Wh (allowed).
Q: Are all ROMOSS products unsafe?
A: Not necessarily—but all models affected by the recall should be retired. The brand has pulled its products from major platforms pending resolution.
Q: Will future regulations get stricter?
A: Likely. With rising incidents—including 15 reported battery-related aviation events in 2025 alone—expect tighter enforcement and possibly new standards.
👉 Stay ahead of travel tech rules with real-time updates here.
Final Thoughts: Safety First
The recent power bank recalls highlight a long-overdue reckoning in the portable charging industry. For years, lax oversight allowed unsafe products to flood the market. Now, with mandatory 3C enforcement and heightened public awareness, we’re seeing real change.
Your takeaway? Always verify the 3C mark, respect expiry dates, avoid ultra-cheap knockoffs, and dispose of old units responsibly.
Your power bank shouldn’t be a gamble—it should be a reliable tool. Make sure yours passes the test.