Packing for a trip, the same questions come up every time. Can a power bank go in checked baggage? Do I need CCC certification to fly to Hong Kong? Are there limits for Japan or Korea? And why do some people get theirs confiscated at the airport?
International aviation safety rules keep being updated, and several countries have tightened how they handle lithium batteries, so airline policies have become stricter. Here is where things stand as of 2026.
Can a power bank go in checked baggage?
No. This one is unambiguous.
Every power bank containing a lithium battery must travel in your carry-on.
The reason is practical: if a lithium cell overheats, short-circuits or goes into thermal runaway, cabin crew can deal with it immediately. In the cargo hold nobody would notice in time. That is why international aviation rules prohibit checking them.
Do you need CCC certification to fly to Hong Kong?
This has become one of the most common questions. No, you do not.
CCC (China Compulsory Certification) is mainland China's mandatory product certification scheme, and it does not currently apply to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong does still enforce standard aviation lithium battery rules, so:
- No checked baggage
- Carry it in the cabin
- Follow the airline's rules on in-flight use
When does CCC actually matter?
If your itinerary includes mainland China, pay attention — whether that is an international leg or a domestic hop such as Shanghai to Chengdu or Beijing to Shenzhen.
China has tightened lithium battery enforcement, and some airports may check:
- Whether the product carries the CCC mark
- Whether the labelling is complete
- Whether the model is subject to a recall
A product that does not meet the requirements may not clear security.
Regional comparison at a glance
| Region | CCC required? |
|---|
| Taiwan | No |
| Hong Kong | No |
| Macau | No |
| Japan | No |
| South Korea | No |
| Singapore | No |
| Thailand | No |
| Mainland China | Check that the product meets current local requirements |
A caveat: individual airlines may add their own restrictions — banning in-flight use, capping how many you can carry, or requiring you to keep them on your person. Always check your airline's latest notice before you fly.
How is capacity assessed?
Airlines do not go by mAh. They go by Wh (watt-hours).
| Capacity | Approx. Wh | Permitted |
|---|
| 5,000mAh | approx. 18Wh | Yes |
| 10,000mAh | approx. 37Wh | Yes |
| 20,000mAh | approx. 74Wh | Yes |
| 27,000mAh | approx. 99.9Wh | Yes — close to the limit |
| Above 100Wh | Depends on the airline | Check first |
So the great majority of 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh power banks on the market sit comfortably within the usual international limits.
FAQ
Can I put a power bank in checked baggage?
No. It must go in your carry-on.
Do I need CCC to fly to Hong Kong?
No.
Do I need CCC to fly to mainland China?
Check that the product meets China's current requirements, so it does not hold you up at security.
Is 10,000mAh allowed?
Generally yes, subject to your airline's capacity limits.
Five checks before you go
- Power bank in the carry-on, never checked
- Capacity within your airline's limit
- Product labelling complete and legible
- Travelling to mainland China? Confirm it meets local requirements
- Re-check the airline's latest notice before departure
Further reading
Related products
Aviation rules change over time and vary by airline and destination. Always confirm against official sources before you travel.
