(Yicai) April 3 -- Chinese regulators have tightened safety standards for mobile power sources, adding stricter requirements to the existing rules, after a wave of safety concerns last year.

The mandatory Safety Technical Specifications for Mobile Power Banks, which were issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology yesterday, builds on two existing standards for portable electronic devices and strengthens safety requirements in five key areas.

The updated rules, which will take effect on April 1 next year, require better protection in scenarios such as high temperatures, overcharging and physical pressure, the ministry said on its WeChat account. They also introduce a new ‘puncture test’ for batteries to ensure higher cell quality. In addition, manufacturers must test for lithium buildup after repeated use to reduce the risk of internal short circuits over time.

The new regulations also push for smarter battery management. Power banks will need to monitor key metrics such as voltage and temperature in real time and be able to store and retrieve data on abnormal conditions. Another new requirement is traceability. Each power bank must have a unique identification code that allows consumers to check product details.

Finally, manufacturers will be required to strengthen risk controls across the entire production process, from raw materials to manufacturing, to improve safety at source.

During the 12-month transition period, companies can choose whether to follow the old or the new standards, giving them enough time for a smooth adjustment. After that, all mobile power banks must comply with the new rules, the ministry said.

The move comes after a series of safety incidents in June last year, when several universities in China warned that some products from power bank maker Romoss could explode when charging, sparking widespread concern. Subsequently, Romoss and another manufacturer, Anker Innovations, recalled a total of 1.2 million potentially hazardous devices, while their core component supplier, Apex Wuxi, was probed and required to suspend production.

The same month, China’s aviation regulator issued an emergency notice banning passengers from carrying power banks without 3C certification on flights.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Kim Taylor