Anker, Romoss recall over 1.2 million power banks amid fire risks

Two major Chinese electronics manufacturers, Anker and Romoss, have launched massive recall programmes for over 1.2 million power banks, marking one of China’s largest gadget removal efforts in recent years, with both companies citing problematic battery cells that overheat and made them fire hazards.

Anker – based in Changsha, capital of central Hunan province -announced its recall on Friday, affecting over 712,000 units across seven power bank models. The company attributed the issue to an unidentified supplier, stating that “unauthorised changes to raw materials” compromised insulation and led to overheating with repeated use.

Anker has stopped selling the affected portable chargers, which were priced at about 150 yuan (US$20.90), and is urging customers to return them for a refund or replacement.

The recall follows a similar move by Shenzhen-based Romoss last Monday, which pulled nearly half a million portable chargers across three models, also due to battery cell issues. This recall came after several universities in Beijing warned students to stop using Romoss power banks after reports of explosions.

Neither company has publicly named the suppliers responsible for the faulty battery cells. Both did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Monday.