Why Power Banks Are Being Recalled: Inside the 3C Certification Crisis

On June 20, news broke that the 3C certification for Shenzhen Romash Technology Co.'s fast‑charging power banks had been largely revoked, with the certificate status showing "suspended" and only charger‑related certifications remaining; the suspension dates start on June 14 and run until September 13, 2025.

Romash's Douyin flagship store removed all power‑bank listings, leaving only chargers and cables, while the official store claimed the power banks were "in stock". However, the products remain available on JD.com and Taobao.

On June 16, Romash announced a recall plan for certain power banks manufactured between June 5, 2023 and July 31, 2024, covering three models and a total of 491,745 units, each with a 20,000 mAh capacity.

On the same day, Anker also issued a recall for seven models of its power banks (A1642, A1647, A1652, A1680, A1681, A1689, A1257).

The recall reason is that some battery‑cell raw materials are defective, potentially causing overheating or fire.

Supplier Anpurse (Wuxi) Co. had privately changed materials, leading to diaphragm insulation failure and the risk of overheating and burning. As a result, all related models were removed from official e‑commerce platforms, cooperation was terminated, and a compensation plan was launched.

Anpurse (Wuxi) Co., founded on November 17, 2014, with a $200 million investment, supplies lithium‑ion cells to brands such as Romash, Anker, Ugreen, and Baseus. Its 3C certificates for rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries and polymer cells are suspended, and its ISO three‑system certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) have also been paused.

China's 3C (CCC) certification is a mandatory product safety and quality certification. Since March 2023, the State Administration for Market Regulation has required CCC certification for lithium‑ion batteries, battery packs, and mobile power supplies. From August 1, 2024, products without CCC certification cannot be manufactured, sold, imported, or used in business activities.

Industry data shows the non‑conformance rate for online‑sold power banks rose from 19.8% in 2020 to 44.4% in 2023, driven by cost‑cutting measures that lowered cell quality and increased safety risks. The rate only began to decline in 2024.

Logistical challenges have emerged as many couriers refuse to accept recalled units, and several universities and airports have banned the affected brands, further eroding consumer trust.

Experts recommend raising technical and safety standards, especially testing under extreme temperature and prolonged over‑charging conditions, and enforcing stricter market‑entry barriers for repeatedly non‑compliant manufacturers. They also advocate establishing full‑chain cell traceability and regular supplier audits, a move already announced by Anker.