China’s proposed new regulations on power banks worry producers and consumers

Chinese regulations that propose tighter technical specs for portable power banks are stirring unease among producers and consumers, as they could mean passengers are no longer allowed to bring such products on board flights.

According to a draft document from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which is soliciting feedback until December 11, all Chinese portable power banks would be required to disclose their battery type, production date and offer a recommendation for safe-use duration.

In addition, the new regulation states that there should be “no fires, no combustion, no cracking and no leakage” of power banks even in circumstances such as short circuits and excessive use.

The draft also states that power banks should have “no fires” and “no combustion” under other more extreme conditions such as high pressure and high temperature.

The proposed rules would significantly raise the bar for “safe” power banks, potentially banning them from plane cabins.