Chinese power bank maker suspends production after recall, aviation ban

Shenzhen based portable power bank manufacturer Romoss Technology has announced a six month suspension of production and pulled its products from major e-commerce platforms following a massive recall prompted by safety defects and a new aviation ban.

Romoss issued a recall on June 16 involving 491,745 units across three models (PAC20 272, PAC20 392, PLT20A 152) produced between June 2023 and July 2024, citing defective separator materials in battery cells that posed risk of overheating and fire.

Concurrently, China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) enacted a domestic flight ban on uncertified or recalled power banks, banning any units lacking 3C (China Compulsory Certification) labeling or listed in recall notices, effective from June 28. The ban was triggered by multiple aviation incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, including in flight fires and smoke emissions on Air Busan and Hong Kong Airlines flights.

The combined impact of the recall and aviation restrictions led to Romoss removing its listings from major Chinese e-commerce platforms (Taobao, JD.com, Pinduoduo) and overseas outlets like Temu. Internal communications indicate that most factory workers have been furloughed, with some retained for recall-related tasks; salaries will be adjusted to 80% of Shenzhen’s minimum wage for July onward.

Romoss’s suspension mirrors parallel safety problems across the industry. Competitor Anker recalled over 712,000 units in June due to similar overheating concerns tied to unauthorized battery material changes. Authorities have also revoked or suspended 3C certifications for multiple power bank and battery-cell manufacturers.