China is taking a decisive step toward mitigating the fire hazards associated with mobile power supplies by introducing its first mandatory national standard. This regulatory overhaul specifically targets the power bank industry, which has grown exponentially alongside the nation's smartphone ubiquity but has often been plagued by low-quality, high-risk components. The new framework aims to standardize performance and safety metrics that were previously fragmented or optional.
The most striking feature of the new standard is the requirement for manufacturers to clearly label a "recommended service life." As lithium-ion batteries undergo chemical degradation over time, they become increasingly prone to swelling and combustion. By mandating a lifespan disclosure, regulators hope to curb the use of aged batteries that pose a significant threat to public safety in high-density environments like subways and airplanes.
Under the new rules, all products sold in the domestic market must obtain China Compulsory Certification (3C) based on these updated technical requirements. This move signals a major consolidation phase for the industry, as small-scale workshops and gray market producers will likely find the compliance costs prohibitive. Established tech giants that already maintain high internal standards are poised to capture the market share left behind by these retreating low-end players.
Implementation is scheduled to take full effect in 2026, giving the supply chain a transition period to adjust designs and labeling. While existing 3C-certified products can remain on shelves during the transition, the move reflects Beijing's broader ambition to transition from a volume-based manufacturing model to one centered on high-quality and safety. For consumers, the change promises transparency in a product category that has long been a black box of technical specifications.