China mandates smart displays and apps for power banks to combat fire risks

China Mandates Smarter Power Banks Amid Safety Concerns

In a significant move to bolster consumer safety, China is set to implement stringent new regulations for portable power banks. Effective by June 2026, all domestic manufacturers will be required to equip their devices with liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or integrate them with dedicated mobile applications for real-time monitoring. This decisive action by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stems from a troubling increase in hazardous incidents, including explosions and fires involving portable chargers, particularly on aircraft. The urgency was palpable, leading authorities last year to ban uncertified chargers on flights, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Enhanced Safety Features and Stricter Testing

The forthcoming standard aims to provide users with clear visibility into their power bank's status, whether through an on-device LCD indicating the charge level or a companion app offering live diagnostics. This will effectively supersede the existing China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark, signaling a new era of mandatory oversight. Beyond the display requirement, power banks will undergo considerably more rigorous safety assessments. These include enhanced puncture resistance, improved durability, and more demanding thermal tolerance tests. Specifically, batteries will need to withstand 135°C for 60 minutes, a notable increase from the previous 130°C for 30 minutes. Furthermore, protection against overcharging will be strengthened, with devices expected to endure voltage surges up to 1.4 times the standard level.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The industry has already labeled these forthcoming requirements as exceptionally strict. Experts forecast that upwards of 70% of smaller manufacturers, lacking the technical prowess or financial resources to adapt, may be forced to cease operations. This consolidation could reshape the power bank market, prioritizing safety and technological advancement. This move echoes broader global trends in consumer electronics safety, such as the European Union's mandate for detachable USB-C cables in chargers. The recent recall of over a million Anker power banks due to fire risks, specifically the PowerCore 10000 models produced between 2016 and 2019, further highlights the critical need for such proactive regulatory measures.