Tag: power banks

Upcoming Nitecore Power Banks with CCC Certification

If youre planning to go to China, you better watch out for the new power banks from Nitecore because they might come with the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) mark. According to a retailer called Nightwalker Lab based in Singapore, these power banks might start to be available as soon as next month. And it’s important to keep in mind that if you don’t see the CCC mark on a power bank, you might not be able to legally carry it onto flights inside China. The mark itself, which looks like three Cs inside an oval, is pretty much a must-have for power banks to be accepted on domestic flights in China.

Security and Regulations in China

Security at airports in East and Southeast Asia tends to be much more strict than in many parts of Europe. Authorities often check the capacity of batteries, which can be shown in mAh or Wh, sometimes through posters that airlines use to educate travelers. Starting from June, if your power bank lacks the CCC mark, it could be taken away at security before you even get on a flight within China. This is why travelers need to be extra careful and double-check the certification status of their power banks before packing them in carry-on luggage.

Impact of Certification on Nitecore and Manufacturers

It’s interesting to note that even though Nitecore is a Chinese company owned by Sysmax, many of their power banks might not yet bear the CCC mark. It seems the process of getting certified can be quite lengthy, which might be why some brands prefer to sell their products in Europe first where the regulations might be less strict. Generally, most brands do not advertise the CCC certification in their stores or packaging, so unless you’re doing thorough research or asking the right questions, you might overlook this detail. If you’re heading to China anytime soon, it’s a good idea to check for this certification first before buying a power bank.

Future of Nitecore’s Certified Power Banks

It will be worth waiting and watching when Nitecore starts shipping out their first batches of power banks with the CCC mark already attached. Having distinct features or labels could be helpful for retailers, especially in Europe where the importance of the certification isn’t always understood. The move to include this certification might also influence other brands to follow suit, making it easier for travelers to identify compliant products. This initiative might also indicate a shift towards stricter compliance, which impacts how and where power banks could be sold and used.

Background on Incidents Leading to CCC Regulations

The push for wider CCC certification could be linked to a serious incident involving an Air Busan flight in early 2025. The plane caught fire while on the ground in Busan, and while the investigation isn’t finalized yet, reports suggest the fire started from overhead luggage compartments. Since that event, many airlines, including those in Europe, have banned the use of power banks during flights. Plus, passengers are now often required to keep their power banks within easy reach and even insulate exposed battery terminals with electrical tape before security checks, especially in places like South Korea.

Statistics and Safety Concerns with Power Banks

• South Korean data shows that power banks are more likely than smartphones to cause in-flight problems, probably due to poor-quality products.
• It’s worth noting that almost all travelers carry a mobile phone, but fewer carry power banks, making them a less obvious but potentially more hazardous risk during flights.