CCTV exposes fake 3C-certified power banks: non-flame-retardant shells, 3C logo printed at will

What CCTV found

China Central Television (CCTV, 中央电视台) has broadcast an investigation, and it has been reported that dozens of portable chargers marketed as 3C-certified were found to be counterfeit or non-compliant. According to a report by ifeng (凤凰网) citing the broadcast, many units had shells without flame-retardant material, internal components that failed basic safety checks, and 3C logos applied arbitrarily rather than backed by genuine certification records. Reportedly, some chargers bore packaging and markings that look official but cannot be tied to any valid China Compulsory Certification number.

For readers unfamiliar with China’s regulatory labels: 3C stands for China Compulsory Certification (中国强制性产品认证), the mandatory safety mark for electronics and other goods sold in the Chinese market — roughly analogous to CE in Europe or UL in the United States. Certification is supposed to guarantee third‑party testing and traceability. When markings are faked, that system breaks down.

Why it matters

This is not just a labeling problem. Non‑flame‑retardant shells and uncertified cells increase the risk of overheating, fires or explosions. Who is responsible when a product that looks certified injures a consumer? The answer matters for buyers, retailers and platforms. In China’s highly competitive consumer‑electronics market, fake certification undermines trust and can have knock‑on effects for legitimate brands, particularly those selling through cross‑border e‑commerce channels where buyers and regulators in other jurisdictions expect compliance.

The case also sits against a broader backdrop of tighter global scrutiny over supply chains, product safety and trade compliance. Counterfeit safety marks complicate enforcement of standards and, in an era of sanctions and trade frictions, can raise additional risks for exporters and platforms handling international orders.

What happens next

It has been reported that regulators and platforms may step up inspections and removals of suspect listings, and that investigations are ongoing. Consumers are advised to buy power banks from reputable sellers, check 3C numbers against official databases, and be wary of unusually low prices or suspicious packaging. Platforms and brands will face pressure to police listings more aggressively—or risk more high‑profile exposures like this one.