Editorial | Aviation officials should balance safety efforts with passenger needs
Earlier notice and a wider range of certifications could have ensured a smoother roll-out of the ban on some power banks on flights in China
Many travellers were caught off guard by the strict emergency ban announced by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. It was announced two days before it was imposed on June 28. Notices at airports indicated the ban applied to all lithium-based power banks without China Compulsory Certification (3C), safety and quality standards first issued in August 2023 and made mandatory a year later. Certifications from other jurisdictions were not acceptable. The ban also covered items made by several portable battery manufacturers that have recalled devices because of safety risks.
While international flights were reportedly not affected, domestic passengers said security staff were checking devices for 3C labels or for brands on a recall list. Several passengers complained on social media about power banks being taken away. Some posted photos of piles of banned devices discarded at checkpoints.
The nationwide crackdown could have been smoother with an earlier notice and a wider range of certifications. This approach could have avoided upsetting travellers, especially those from overseas, and prevented the accumulation of electronic waste which poses its own risks. Efforts to ensure safety are to be welcomed, but they will have more public support if balanced against passengers’ needs.