Power Bank Rules on Flights and Trains in China (2026)

Short answer: On domestic flights in China, your power bank must carry a clear 3C (CCC) mark and be 100 Wh or less for no-approval carry. It must go in your cabin bag, never in checked luggage. On trains, a clearly labelled power bank of 100 Wh or less is allowed. Railway staff do not check for 3C, but flights do.

The rules at a glance

	Domestic flights	Trains (incl. high-speed)
Certification	3C/CCC mark required and must be readable	Clear label with rated capacity; 3C not checked
Up to 100 Wh	Allowed, no airline approval	Allowed
100–160 Wh	Airline approval needed, max 2 per person	Not allowed (limit is 100 Wh)
Over 160 Wh	Banned	Not allowed
No Wh rating that can be worked out	Banned	Needs a clear label
Checked luggage	Banned	Keep with you

• Since 28 June 2025, the civil aviation authority (CAAC) bars power banks with no 3C mark, an unclear 3C mark, or a recalled model or batch from domestic flights.
• Using it on board: The 2014 CAAC announcement says you cannot charge devices from a power bank in flight and a power bank with a switch must stay off. A 2015 CAAC reminder bans use in flight outright. Follow the stricter rule: leave it in your bag.
• International flights: the CAAC notice covers domestic flights only. If you connect to a domestic flight in China, the 3C rule applies from that flight. Foreign airlines may have their own limits, so check yours.
• Trains: the national railway catalogue allows power banks with a clear label and rated capacity not exceeding 100 Wh.
• Many power banks bought abroad lack a 3C mark. Buying a 3C-marked one in China is the simple fix.

Before you travel

1. Check the label. Find “3C” or “CCC” and the Wh or mAh rating printed on the casing. It must not be rubbed off or smeared.
2. Work out Wh if only mAh is shown. Wh = volts × (mAh ÷ 1000). Example: 3.7 V × 20,000 mAh = 74 Wh. Many power banks list 3.7 V.
3. Pack it in your cabin bag or pocket. Take it out at security if asked.
4. Plan your charging. Charge your phone before boarding. For on-board and train power, see the eSIM guide and the trip checklist for what else to bring.
5. Check your flight type. Entering China directly from abroad is not a domestic flight, but any onward domestic leg is. See arriving in China for the entry steps.

What happens if you get it wrong

• At airport security: the unit can be refused. Airports have offered short storage for left items. One example, Guangzhou Baiyun in July 2025, held items free for 7 days. Units over 160 Wh, or damaged, swollen, leaking or with unclear labels, could not be stored there. Other airports vary.
• In checked luggage: you may be called back to remove it and miss your check-in window.
• On a train: a banned item can mean refusal at the boarding station. If found on the train, it is handed over at the next stop, and you may be charged luggage fees. See the official 12306 site for the luggage rules.
• In the air: using a power bank against the rules can be handled by police according to the circumstances.

Common mistakes

• Putting the power bank in a checked suitcase “just this once”.
• Assuming a well-known brand is enough. The mark on the unit is what counts.
• Bringing an old, worn unit whose 3C print has faded.
• Using the power bank in your seat pocket on a flight.
• Bringing a 100–160 Wh unit without airline approval.

FAQ

Can I bring a power bank from my home country to China?

You can on an international flight into China, since the CAAC notice covers domestic flights only. For domestic flights, it needs a clear 3C mark. Check your own airline’s rules too.

How many power banks can I carry?

Up to 100 Wh: no number limit is published for flights or trains. For 100–160 Wh on flights, the limit is two per person, with airline approval.

Will train staff check for 3C?

A 12306 customer service representative said in 2025 that staff do not check 3C labels or brands. The label showing a rating of 100 Wh or less must still be clear.

Next steps for your trip

Official sources: english.beijing.gov.cn. Rules change; check before you travel.