China Packing Rules: Power Banks, Chargers and Medication

Mainland domestic flights: check CCC and recalls

CAAC's rule effective 28 June 2025 prohibits power banks without CCC markings, with unclear markings, or belonging to recalled models or batches on domestic flights. CCC is also called 3C or China Compulsory Certification. A foreign safety mark or familiar brand does not satisfy this specific marking requirement.

Inspect the actual device before packing. Keep its factory markings readable and compare the model, batch and serial details with recall notices. A clear CCC mark does not override a recall. Do not add a sticker to make an unsuitable device appear compliant.

Current checks found Air China's August 2026 notice still requiring clear 3C markings for flights within China. It also bans recalled, swollen, deformed or cracked power banks. If you cannot establish compliance, leave the device behind and plan around wall charging.

• CAAC: domestic flight CCC and recall restrictions →
• Air China: August 2026 power bank requirements →
• Jincheng market regulator: certification and recall checking guidance →

Capacity and handling: read Wh, not just mAh

CAAC's published capacity framework allows power banks up to 100Wh without airline approval; above 100Wh through 160Wh requires approval; above 160Wh is prohibited. Air China's August 2026 notice retains those thresholds and limits each passenger to two power banks. Your operating airline may impose stricter conditions.

Use the printed Wh rating. Where conversion is necessary, CAAC specifies Wh = nominal voltage × mAh ÷ 1,000. Use the battery's nominal voltage, not a USB output voltage. A mAh figure alone cannot establish compliance; CAAC prohibits devices whose energy cannot be determined from their markings.

Pack power banks separately from metal objects with insulated terminals. Remove them before a cabin bag is checked at the gate. On Air China, they must remain out of overhead bins, in under-seat hand baggage or the seat-back pocket; neither powering devices nor charging the bank is allowed onboard. Report heat, swelling or smoke immediately.

• CAAC: capacity, cabin carriage and calculation rules →
• Air China: quantity and onboard storage requirements →

International flights and trains use different rules

Passing departure screening overseas does not establish eligibility for a later mainland domestic flight. The cited CAAC CCC notice specifies domestic flights; do not turn it into a universal international-flight rule. Confirm your international carrier's requirements and each departure or transfer airport's screening conditions.

ICAO announced a two-power-bank passenger limit and a prohibition on recharging power banks during flights, effective 27 March 2026. That announcement does not replace carrier-specific capacity, use or storage instructions.

China Railway's published restricted-items list permits clearly marked power banks and lithium batteries only when each is at or below 100Wh. It does not state the aviation CCC condition. Special regional or temporary controls can apply.

• ICAO: restrictions effective March 2026 →
• China Railway 12306: prohibited and restricted items →

Bring a wall charger and check your baggage allowance

Pack a reliable wall charger, matching cables and a plug adapter suitable for your accommodation. Ask the hotel about sockets and supply, then compare that information with the charger's input label. A plug adapter changes the connection shape; it does not convert voltage. A charger containing a battery also needs assessment as a battery device.

Check cabin dimensions, weight, item count and checked-bag allowance against your actual booking and operating carrier. Allowances can vary by route, fare and aircraft; an international allowance does not automatically carry across a separately booked domestic ticket. Leave space for purchases and keep batteries accessible for inspection.

• Air China: current conditions of carriage →
• Plan transport between destinations →

Prepare medication documents before departure

Keep medicines in their original labeled packaging and carry prescription copies plus a doctor's letter identifying the medicine, required dosage and personal use. Ask your clinician for generic ingredient names so authorities can identify products sold under different brand names.

Confirm legality, quantity, declaration and permit requirements with the Chinese embassy or competent customs authority for each medicine, especially controlled drugs. Check transit-country rules too. A prescription is supporting evidence, not automatic import permission.

Arrange any cooling, needles, medical devices or liquid-medication screening requirements with the airline and airport beforehand. Keep essential medication and documents accessible, subject to applicable rules; do not assume a universal allowance or guaranteed replacement supply.

• Australian government: medication documentation and legality →

Make one final check for every journey

Before leaving home, photograph battery labels for reference, check recalls again and save airline approval where required. Recheck rules before each flight, particularly after a carrier change.

• Inspect the physical CCC and capacity markings; a photograph cannot replace them.
• Count power banks, protect terminals and keep them in cabin baggage.
• Review train restrictions separately from flight permissions.
• Keep medication paperwork and charging essentials easy to reach.

• China train tickets →
• Pre-trip checklist →