China Proposes New Safety Standard for Power Banks: What You Need to Know
Country: China
Notification Date: 2025-12-19
China has issued a new Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning a draft national standard for the safety of portable power banks. This proposed regulation, titled “National Standard of the P.R.C., Safety technical specification for portable power bank,” aims to enhance product safety for a widely used consumer electronic device. It specifies comprehensive safety requirements and corresponding test methods for power banks.
Key Details- Country: China
- Document Symbol: G/TBT/N/CHN/2162
- Notification Date: 2025-12-19
- Comment Deadline: Not specified
- Effective Date: To be determined
This draft national standard (GB XXXXX—XXXX, identified as 征求意见稿, or Draft for Comments) outlines detailed safety requirements for power banks. It applies to devices with a rated input voltage of 220 V (AC) or not exceeding 250 V (DC), and an output voltage of either DC or AC, excluding car jump starters. The scope covers power banks with a rated capacity greater than 600mAh and a weight not exceeding 18 kg, including portable energy storage devices up to 160 Wh.
The standard establishes stringent criteria across several areas: general safety (referencing existing GB 4943.1 for IT equipment and GB 31241-2022 for lithium-ion batteries), detailed marking and labeling requirements (e.g., product name, manufacturer, battery chemistry, input/output specifications, rated energy, production date, and a recommended safe usage period), and durability. It also addresses single fault conditions and outlines comprehensive safety tests for the power bank itself, including overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit, overload, misoperation, intelligent management features (monitoring and regulation), and float charge protection.
Furthermore, the standard includes extensive battery safety tests covering overcharge, crushing, thermal abuse, nail penetration, and lithium precipitation detection. Specific material requirements for cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte are detailed, specifying limits for impurities, physical properties, water content, and hydrogen fluoride levels. Production process quality management and UN 38.3 compliance for transportation are also mandated.
Impact Assessment- Which products or sectors are affected: This standard directly impacts manufacturers, importers, and distributors of portable power banks, portable energy storage devices, and their internal battery components in China. Products commonly known as 'charging treasures' (充电宝) and smaller portable energy storage units are within scope.
- Potential impact on international trade: As a draft national standard, it represents a potential technical barrier for non-compliant products. Exporters to the Chinese market will need to ensure their products meet these new safety and testing requirements to maintain market access.
- Compliance requirements for exporters: Companies must adhere to the specified safety requirements, testing protocols, and labeling mandates. This may necessitate product redesigns, updated testing procedures, and re-certification to the new GB standard once finalized and implemented. Compliance will extend to the raw materials and components used in battery manufacturing.
- Market access implications: Successful adherence to this standard will be crucial for market entry and continued sales within China. Non-compliant products may face import restrictions, customs delays, or outright bans, impacting competitive positioning.
- Recommended actions for affected companies: Businesses involved in the manufacture or supply of power banks to China should immediately review the full draft standard (G/TBT/N/CHN/2162) to understand its precise requirements. Assess current product designs, manufacturing processes, and testing procedures against the proposed specifications. Engage with supply chain partners to ensure all components, especially batteries and their materials, can meet the new criteria.
- Compliance timeline: While specific deadlines are not yet set, the notification date of 2025-12-19 indicates this standard is in an advanced stage of development. Businesses should proactively prepare for a future effective date by initiating gap analyses and planning for necessary adjustments to avoid market disruption.
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