China has unveiled an emergency ban on specific portable batteries in a swift move to enhance aviation safety, igniting confusion among travelers.
China Enacts Emergency Ban on Certain Portable Batteries for Air Travelers
China Enacts Emergency Ban on Certain Portable Batteries for Air Travelers
New regulations arise as safety concerns over battery-related incidents mount, leaving passengers scrambling at airports.
In recent days, travelers at various airports in China experienced unexpected disruptions when informed that they could not carry certain portable batteries onto flights. The emergency prohibition, enacted by the country’s aviation regulator, took effect on Saturday after merely a two-day notification period, amplifying safety concerns due to the increasing risks associated with these devices.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) stated the ban targets batteries lacking a clear Chinese safety certification and those recently subject to recalls—a response to alarming incidents of portable batteries catching fire during flights. Notably, this move diverges from international trends, where airlines are primarily focused on guidelines regarding the in-flight management and storage of such batteries.
Travelers have expressed frustration and confusion over the sudden ban, which has forced many to discard their portable battery devices—now customary accessories for modern convenience. According to the CAAC, the increased scrutiny stems from a series of significant recalls affecting millions of batteries by major manufacturers caused by defects in lithium-ion battery cells provided by their suppliers.
In the past few weeks, two leading Chinese battery firms initiated recalls impacting millions of power banks across the globe. Anker, a notable manufacturer, recalled over one million power banks in the U.S. alone due to fire hazards linked to their lithium-ion cells. This was quickly followed by similar actions in China and further global recalls for additional models. Romoss, another Chinese battery producer, also executed a recall for nearly 500,000 units due to issues with their supplied cells.
The CAAC emphasized that these developments underline ongoing concerns over the safety and quality of portable batteries, highlighting the escalating risks associated with their usage in air travel.
This recent ban serves as a cautionary measure, reflecting the steadfast commitment of China’s aviation authorities to ensuring passenger safety amid rising technological and manufacturing challenges in the battery sector. As these regulations unfold, the broader implications for travelers and battery manufacturers will continue to evolve.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) stated the ban targets batteries lacking a clear Chinese safety certification and those recently subject to recalls—a response to alarming incidents of portable batteries catching fire during flights. Notably, this move diverges from international trends, where airlines are primarily focused on guidelines regarding the in-flight management and storage of such batteries.
Travelers have expressed frustration and confusion over the sudden ban, which has forced many to discard their portable battery devices—now customary accessories for modern convenience. According to the CAAC, the increased scrutiny stems from a series of significant recalls affecting millions of batteries by major manufacturers caused by defects in lithium-ion battery cells provided by their suppliers.
In the past few weeks, two leading Chinese battery firms initiated recalls impacting millions of power banks across the globe. Anker, a notable manufacturer, recalled over one million power banks in the U.S. alone due to fire hazards linked to their lithium-ion cells. This was quickly followed by similar actions in China and further global recalls for additional models. Romoss, another Chinese battery producer, also executed a recall for nearly 500,000 units due to issues with their supplied cells.
The CAAC emphasized that these developments underline ongoing concerns over the safety and quality of portable batteries, highlighting the escalating risks associated with their usage in air travel.
This recent ban serves as a cautionary measure, reflecting the steadfast commitment of China’s aviation authorities to ensuring passenger safety amid rising technological and manufacturing challenges in the battery sector. As these regulations unfold, the broader implications for travelers and battery manufacturers will continue to evolve.
