In a surprising move that has caught many travelers off guard, China's aviation authority has enacted a ban on certain portable batteries being taken aboard flights. The emergency regulations, implemented with minimal notice, have come in response to a surge in safety concerns regarding these increasingly common travel accessories.
As of Saturday, passengers are prohibited from carrying portable batteries that do not have a clear Chinese safety certification. This restriction follows a number of recent recalls involving millions of batteries, which have been issued by major manufacturers due to safety hazards, including a significant risk of fires during flights.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China expressed that the decision stemmed from concerns over undisclosed safety and quality issues within portable batteries, which they believe present a growing threat to civil aviation safety. Many airlines and governments globally have begun imposing stringent regulations this year on the use of these devices in light of similar concerns. However, while other jurisdictions have largely focused on guidelines for in-flight battery storage and usage, China’s approach is much more stringent, outright banning certain batteries from flights.
The last-minute nature of the announcement has led to widespread confusion, with numerous travelers reporting having to dispose of their batteries at airports, an inconvenience for those who rely heavily on such devices. Major recalls have affected two prominent Chinese manufacturers, including Anker, which recently recalled over a million devices sold in the U.S. Amid growing concerns, other brands such as Romoss have also taken action to address issues linked with lithium-ion battery cells sourced from suppliers.
These developments indicate an urgent shift in airline safety protocols, reflecting an increasing vigilance over the potential dangers posed by portable batteries during air travel. As safety standards evolve, it appears these regulations will remain a focal point for both airports and travelers alike.
As of Saturday, passengers are prohibited from carrying portable batteries that do not have a clear Chinese safety certification. This restriction follows a number of recent recalls involving millions of batteries, which have been issued by major manufacturers due to safety hazards, including a significant risk of fires during flights.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China expressed that the decision stemmed from concerns over undisclosed safety and quality issues within portable batteries, which they believe present a growing threat to civil aviation safety. Many airlines and governments globally have begun imposing stringent regulations this year on the use of these devices in light of similar concerns. However, while other jurisdictions have largely focused on guidelines for in-flight battery storage and usage, China’s approach is much more stringent, outright banning certain batteries from flights.
The last-minute nature of the announcement has led to widespread confusion, with numerous travelers reporting having to dispose of their batteries at airports, an inconvenience for those who rely heavily on such devices. Major recalls have affected two prominent Chinese manufacturers, including Anker, which recently recalled over a million devices sold in the U.S. Amid growing concerns, other brands such as Romoss have also taken action to address issues linked with lithium-ion battery cells sourced from suppliers.
These developments indicate an urgent shift in airline safety protocols, reflecting an increasing vigilance over the potential dangers posed by portable batteries during air travel. As safety standards evolve, it appears these regulations will remain a focal point for both airports and travelers alike.
