New national standard for power banks to take effect next April — which can you take on a plane, and will they cost more?

China will roll out a new national standard (国家标准) for power banks (移动电源) next April, it has been reported. The change aims to tighten safety, labeling and testing requirements for portable batteries — and to make clear which models are allowed in carry‑on luggage on airplanes. Consumers and manufacturers alike are asking: will that mean fewer power banks on flights? And will prices go up?

What the standard changes — and what it means for air travel

Details have been reported about stronger testing and mandatory markings that will make it easier for passengers and cabin crews to identify compliant units. Reportedly, the standard will harmonize more closely with international aviation rules — such as airline and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidance that limits lithium battery energy on passenger aircraft — by clarifying acceptable capacities and labeling. In practical terms, that should reduce ambiguity at airport security: if a power bank carries the new compliance mark, it is more likely to be accepted in carry‑on baggage. But travelers should still check individual airline policies, because carriers keep the final say.

Will power banks become more expensive?

Costs are the key worry for shoppers. It has been reported that stricter testing, certification and traceability requirements will raise manufacturing costs, especially for smaller makers who must upgrade production lines or outsource testing. That could push retail prices up modestly. On the other hand, China’s large consumer electronics ecosystem — dominated by big brands and contract manufacturers — may absorb much of the compliance cost, keeping sticker prices competitive. Which way will it swing? Expect a mix: premium certified units may rise, while low‑end, uncertified models are likely to be phased out.

Bigger context: safety, supply chains and geopolitics

The move comes amid heightened global scrutiny of battery safety and cross‑border supply chains. Stricter domestic rules also reduce the risk of export restrictions or trade frictions tied to unsafe products, and give regulators clearer tools to police the market. For Western readers unfamiliar with China’s regulatory style: national standards often shape both domestic sales and the export readiness of Chinese hardware. Reportedly, regulators are pushing this standard to both protect consumers and shore up industry credibility — but the market will be the final judge.