Since August 1, 2023, power banks (portable power stations) have been officially included in China’s Catalogue of Compulsory Product Certification (CCC). This means any power bank produced, sold, or imported in the Chinese market must obtain CCC certification and affix the certification mark; otherwise, it will face legal risks such as removal from shelves and penalties. As a comprehensive guide, this article details the full process, core requirements, and answers the most concerned FAQs about power bank CCC certification.

Why Must Power Banks Obtain CCC Certification?

CCC certification is a product conformity assessment system implemented by the Chinese government in accordance with laws and regulations to protect consumers' personal safety and national security, and strengthen product quality management. As a frequently used portable energy storage product, the internal lithium batteries of power banks pose serious safety hazards such as fire and explosion under abnormal conditions like overcharge, overdischarge, and short circuit.

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR/CNCA) included power banks in CCC certification management based on the following core considerations:

1. Ensure Public Safety: Eliminate low-quality, high-risk products from the source through mandatory safety standards.
2. Regulate Market Order: Establish a unified market access threshold to create a fair competitive environment.
3. Clarify Enterprise Responsibilities: Urge manufacturers to fulfill their primary responsibility for product quality and ensure continuous compliance.
4. Protect Consumer Rights: Provide consumers with clear and credible safety purchasing criteria.

In a nutshell: Obtaining CCC certification for power banks is not an option, but the only legal pass to enter the Chinese domestic market.

Core Standards & Test Items for Power Bank CCC Certification

Power bank CCC certification mainly complies with two national standards:

1. GB 4943.1-2022: Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General requirementsAssesses the electrical safety, structural safety, and fire resistance of the entire device.
2. GB 31241-2024: Safety technical specification for lithium-ion batteries and battery packs for portable electronic productsEvaluates the safety performance of internal cells and battery packs—this is the most critical and stringent part.

Key Mandatory Test Items:

Full Process & Steps for Power Bank CCC Certification

The certification process can be summarized into 5 phases: "Preparation - Application - Testing - Factory Inspection - Certification Issuance", typically taking 6-8 weeks (varies by product complexity and enterprise preparation).

Phase 1: Preparatory Work & Document Collation

1. Determine Product Units: Classify certification units based on differences in product structure, specifications, and key components (cells, PCBs, ICs, etc.). Products in the same unit can apply as a series to save costs.
2. Prepare Technical Documents:
   • Product specifications, circuit schematics, PCB layouts, structural drawings.
   • Critical Component List (CDF) with corresponding component certification certificates or specifications.
   • Product nameplate and label design drafts.
   • Difference description (for series applications).

Phase 2: Select Certification Body & Submit Application

1. Choose a Certification Body: Apply to a certification body with "09 Information Technology Equipment" qualification (e.g., CQC, CEPREI) or its authorized agent (e.g., Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd.).
2. Submit Formal Application: Fill out the application form, submit prepared technical documents, and sign the certification agreement.

Phase 3: Sample Submission & Type Test

1. Sample Preparation & Submission: Prepare representative samples as required by the certification body and send them to its designated laboratory.
2. Laboratory Testing: The laboratory conducts comprehensive tests in accordance with GB 4943.1 and GB 31241 standards. This is the most critical link—any failed test requires rectification and re-testing.

Phase 4: Initial Factory Inspection (Optional)

For first-time applicants or enterprises with major system changes, the certification body will arrange auditors for on-site factory inspections to ensure the factory has the capability to continuously produce products that meet certification requirements.

Phase 5: Report Review, Certification Issuance & Mark Usage

1. Report Review: The certification body reviews the test report and factory inspection report (if applicable).
2. Certification Issuance: After successful review, the certification body issues the China Compulsory Product Certification Certificate.
3. Purchase/Print Mark: Enterprises can purchase standard CCC marks from the certification body or apply for approval to print/mold them directly on the product.
4. Post-Certification Obligations: Enterprises must accept annual supervision audits by the certification body (including factory inspections and product confirmation inspections) to maintain certificate validity.

Power Bank CCC Certification FAQs

Q1: How much does power bank CCC certification cost?

A: Costs consist of three main parts: certification application fee, product testing fee, and factory inspection fee. Total costs vary by product complexity, certification body, and number of test items, typically ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 RMB. Cooperating with a professional testing institution can provide accurate budget assessments and efficient solutions, avoiding additional costs from repeated rectifications.

Q2: How long does the entire certification process take?

A: From sample submission to certification issuance, it generally takes 6-8 weeks. The timeline depends on factors such as one-time test pass rate, completeness of prepared documents, and factory inspection scheduling. Conducting pre-testing (e.g., preliminary testing by Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd.) can significantly improve the one-time pass rate of formal tests and shorten the cycle.

Q3: If my power bank already has UL, CE, or other export certifications, can I be exempt from CCC?

A: No. CCC certification is a mandatory access requirement in China, independent of certifications from other countries with different test standards and evaluation systems.

Q4: Is the CCC certificate valid permanently?

A: The CCC certificate itself is valid long-term, but it must be maintained through annual supervision audits (annual inspections). Failure to conduct annual inspections on time or failed inspections will result in certificate suspension or revocation.

Q5: Can one certificate cover multiple models?

A: Yes. If models belong to the same certification unit (i.e., identical key structures and components, with differences only in non-critical parameters such as appearance, color, and capacity), they can apply as a series. After the main model passes testing, other models can be covered through difference testing, greatly saving costs and time.

Q6: What are the CCC requirements for power banks on e-commerce platforms (e.g., Tianmao, JD.com, Pinduoduo)?

A: All major e-commerce platforms have mandatory requirements: merchants must fill in a valid CCC certificate number when listing power banks and accept platform sampling inspections. Products without certification or with invalid certificates will be forced off shelves, and stores may face penalties.

Q7: Are there special requirements for battery cells?

A: Yes. Certification requires that the battery cells used in power banks must themselves comply with GB 31241 standards. When applying for whole-machine certification, enterprises must provide the cells’ Voluntary Product Certification Certificate or valid reports proving compliance. This is a basic threshold for the entire certification.

Summary & Recommendations

Obtaining CCC certification for power banks is a highly professional compliance task. For enterprises, exploring the process independently is time-consuming and labor-intensive, with a high risk of test failure due to non-compliant technical details, delaying the product launch window.

Our recommendation: Cooperate with a professional testing and certification service provider with rich experience and battery laboratory resources at an early stage. For example, Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. offers one-stop services from pre-consultation, standard interpretation, pre-test rectification, formal application, full-process follow-up to post-certification maintenance. We help your products obtain the market pass with maximum efficiency and optimal cost, allowing you to focus on products and markets without worries.

Take action now to obtain legal CCC certification for your power bank products—it is not only mandatory for regulatory compliance but also the cornerstone of winning market trust.