Travelers in China have recently faced surprises at airports, discovering an emergency ban on select portable batteries intended for flights. Implemented on July 1, the sudden prohibition by the Civil Aviation Administration followed a warning about rising safety risks associated with these increasingly common power banks. This ban was put in place with only two days' notice, a factor that has left many passengers frustrated and confused, often resulting in travelers discarding their essential batteries just before boarding.
The ban specifically targets portable batteries that lack a Chinese safety certification or that have been previously recalled. The aviation authority characterized these devices as a significant hazard, citing various recent incidents of portable batteries igniting mid-flight and numerous recalls initiated by manufacturers. Airlines worldwide have tightened their grip on regulations surrounding portable battery use, but China's swift and sweeping ban marks a departure from other nations, which typically only adjust storage policies rather than outright prohibit the items.
The urgency of this measure is underscored by recent recalls from major battery manufacturers. Anker, one of the largest companies producing these devices, called back over one million power banks in both the United States and China due to identified fire risks linked to their lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, Romoss, another prominent battery maker, also recalled nearly 500,000 products for similar concerns tied to battery cells from suppliers.
In their public notice, China's aviation agency emphasized the ongoing danger posed by portable batteries, referencing a troubling trend where hidden safety issues have emerged amongst traveling devices. As travelers adapt to new regulations, many are left grappling with the practicality of powering their devices while on the go.
