Power banks are supposed to keep us connected, but they can also pose serious fire risks. In August 2025, ESR recalled 33,000 HaloLock power banks after their lithium-ion batteries could overheat and ignite[1]. In the same month, a KLM flight from São Paulo to Amsterdam filled with smoke when a passenger’s charger caught fire, though the crew brought it under control[2]. Australia also issued urgent recalls of thousands of faulty power banks at fire risk[3].
These incidents have prompted tighter regulations worldwide, particularly concerning power bank safety, from FAA carry-on limits and airline restrictions to mandatory UN 38.3/IATA testing. Below, we’ll examine how different regions are strengthening battery compliance.
China’s Evolving Standards for Batteries
New 3C Rule for Power Banks
China requires all portable power banks to obtain 3C certification, a mandatory system that ensures consumer safety, national security, and environmental protection. Effective June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) banned passengers and crew from carrying uncertified, unclear, or recalled power banks on all business aviation flights departing China[4].
GB/T 35590-2017 in Practice
This standard limits DC output to 60 V and sets the maximum current for any single port at 5 A[5]. It requires clear capacity and energy markings, along with performance checks, including cycle-life testing. It also mandates protections against overcharge and over-discharge, as well as temperature-stress tests such as high-temperature charging/discharging and thermal cycling. These measures form the core of battery compliance.
United States & Canada Battery Standards
NRTL/CSA Safety Standards
Always use a recognized testing laboratory. Individual cells and battery packs follow UL/CSA 62133-2, while U.S. cells may also comply with UL 1642. Portable power banks are tested to ANSI/CAN/UL 2056, and outdoor power stations to ANSI/CAN/UL 2743.
In the U.S., certification is granted by an NRTL, while in Canada it comes from accredited certification bodies.
EMC Requirements
Most units also require Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) approval. In the U.S., this means following FCC equipment authorization rules for unintentional radiators or radios. In Canada, devices must comply with ISED regulations, including ICES-003 for digital devices and RSS-Gen for radios. EMC compliance is an essential part of overall battery safety and regulatory adherence.
European Union Battery Standards
CE Marking: Safety and EMC
Power banks require CE marking for both safety and EMC. Safety compliance is demonstrated through EN/IEC 62368-1, while EMC is addressed with EN 55032 for emissions and EN 55035 for immunity. These standards provide clear, testable rules that anchor battery compliance.
Environmental Duties
RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). WEEE establishes rules for product take-back and proper treatment. REACH imposes additional responsibilities, including communication about substances of very high concern (SVHC) in articles.
EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542
The EU Battery Regulation 2023 (EU 2023/1542) introduces comprehensive requirements to ensure batteries placed on the European market are sustainable, safe, and fully traceable throughout their lifecycle.
Key Battery Standards across Asia
Japan: JIS C 62133-2
Japan follows JIS C 62133-2 for lithium cells and battery packs. This standard aligns with IEC 62133-2, with a few local modifications, and represents a fundamental step in ensuring battery compliance.
South Korea: KC 62133-2
South Korea requires KC 62133-2 certification for lithium cells and batteries. The Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) adopted the IEC-based update in 2020, and CB test reports were accepted during the transition period.
Thailand: TIS 2217 and TIS 2879
Thailand applies TIS 2217 for rechargeable cells and batteries. In line with this, portable power banks must comply with TIS 2879-2560 and carry the TIS mark.
India: IS 16046-2 and IS 13252
To ensure lithium-ion batteries in compliance with international safety norms, India enforces IS 16046-2 for cells and battery packs. Portable power banks are regulated under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) using IS 13252 (Part 1). Together, these standards define battery compliance requirements for safety and market sale.
Global Compliance Takeaways
Common Global Basics
Most markets require two key proofs: UN 38.3 certification for transport, supported by a test summary, and IEC 62133-2 for cell and pack safety. Today, many sellers and carriers check these certifications before allowing sale or shipment.
Key Regional Differences
| Country / Region | Mandatory Certification / Scheme | Product Type | Standard / Reference |
| China | CCC | Mobile Power Bank | GB 4943.1 |
| CQC | Mobile Power Bank | GB/T 35590 | |
| North America (US/CA) | NRTL | Battery | UL/CSA 62133-2 UL 1642 (US only) |
| Power Bank | ANSI/CAN/UL 2056 | ||
| Outdoor Power Supply | ANSI/CAN/UL 2743 | ||
| EMC (Mandatory) | Mobile Power Bank | FCC (US)IC (Canada) | |
| European Union | CE | Battery | EU 2023/1542 (New Battery Regulation) |
| CE-LVD | Mobile Power Bank | EN IEC 62368-1 | |
| CE-EMC | Mobile Power Bank | EN 55032EN 55035 | |
| Environmental Compliance | Mobile Power Bank | RoHS (2011/65/EU)WEEE (2012/19/EU)REACH (EC 1907/2006) | |
| Japan | PSE | USB Power Bank | JIS C 62133-2 |
| South Korea | KC | Battery | KC 62133-2 |
| Thailand | TISI | Battery | TIS 2217 |
| Mobile Power Bank | TIS 2879 | ||
| India | BIS | Battery | IS 16046-2 |
| Mobile Power Bank | IS 13252 |
Trend and Strategy
Battery regulations are tightening worldwide, with China’s CCC and the EU’s new Battery Regulation signaling the trend. The practical route to global compliance is to design around IEC 62133-2, verify UN 38.3 early, and then add regional certifications as needed.
Partner with MCM for Battery Compliance Solutions
Power bank fires and recalls are rising worldwide, showing that battery safety cannot be taken lightly. Across regions, manufacturers face a patchwork of rules, from 3C in China to JIS, KC, TIS, and BIS across Asia. Keeping up with these certifications and regulatory requirements is critical to prevent recalls, reduce liability, and ensure safe transport.
Partnering with MCM helps manufacturers navigate this complex landscape. Through independent testing and certification, including UN 38.3, CE, 3C, and regional standards, MCM ensures power banks meet safety and compliance requirements from the design stage to shipment, accelerating global market entry while keeping lithium-ion batteries safe and reliable.
Contact MCM today to streamline your compliance process and focus on growing your business.
