A new mandatory national standard, GB 47372-2026, titled "Technical Specification for Safety of Mobile Power Sources," was officially released on April 3 and is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027. This standard, referred to as the "new national standard," aims to robustly safeguard consumer rights while comprehensively elevating the technical capabilities of manufacturers.

For businesses, the new standard establishes a 12-month transition period. During this time, companies may choose to comply with either the new standard or the existing ones. However, after the transition period concludes, all enterprises must adhere to the new regulations for the production and sale of their products.

Specifically, the standard introduces enhanced intrinsic safety requirements for batteries. For instance, regarding protection circuits, it mandates that a mobile power source must immediately cease charging or discharging if the battery temperature exceeds the maximum temperature specified by the manufacturer during these operations. This measure reduces the likelihood of further temperature increases. Additionally, the standard introduces new testing for lithium precipitation after cycle aging and requires strengthened control over the entire manufacturing process.

From the consumer perspective, power banks that were previously purchased and have obtained mandatory product certification (CCC) can continue to be used normally after the new standard takes effect. Passengers may still carry certified power banks on flights, provided they comply with current civil aviation regulations. Furthermore, the new standard requires each mobile power source to be marked with a unique identification code, akin to an "ID number." Consumers can use this code to access core information such as the battery brand, thereby enhancing transparency.

Mobile power sources include portable power banks and portable energy storage units, commonly known as "charging treasures" and "outdoor power sources." These devices are widely used and have a large user base, making them integral to daily life.

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of mobile power sources. However, the industry faces challenges, including outdated technology in some enterprises, inadequate quality management systems, and inconsistent product quality.

The "Technical Specification" builds upon the requirements of two existing general mandatory national standards, GB 31241 and GB 4943.1, and strengthens mobile power source safety across five key areas.

First, it enhances intrinsic battery safety requirements, explicitly improving protection capabilities under abusive conditions such as high temperatures, overcharging, and compression. It introduces a new nail penetration test for batteries to mitigate risks at the source. Exposure to excessively high temperatures can cause battery electrolyte to decompose, producing flammable gases, and lead to separator shrinkage, potentially causing internal short circuits. The new standard addresses high-temperature risks through requirements concerning raw materials, batteries, protection circuits, and user interfaces.

At the battery level, the thermal abuse test temperature specified in the new standard is raised to 135°C from the 130°C stipulated in GB 31241-2022. For "outdoor power source" products, an additional requirement prohibits fire during heating tests, enhancing thermal stability. Regarding protection circuits, the standard mandates immediate cessation of charging or discharging if the battery temperature surpasses the manufacturer's specified maximum, reducing the probability of further temperature rise.

Second, the standard introduces testing for lithium precipitation after battery cycle aging, lowering the risk of internal short circuits from long-term use.

Third, it imposes intelligent management requirements on mobile power sources. This includes real-time monitoring of key parameters like battery voltage and temperature, alongside mandates for products to store and allow retrieval of abnormal event data, effectively safeguarding consumers' right to information.

Fourth, it promotes the implementation of a unique coding system, requiring each mobile power source to display its specific "ID number." Consumers can use this code to query essential information such as the battery brand, increasing market transparency.

Specifically, the new standard stipulates the following labeling requirements: 1) Rated Energy: Must be clearly marked to facilitate checks by security personnel in aviation and rail transport. 2) Unique Identification Code: Products must display a code that includes information about the battery manufacturer, aiding consumer choice and enabling full lifecycle traceability. 3) Recommended Safe Service Life: A suggested safe usage period should be indicated, alerting consumers to potential safety risks with older products and encouraging timely replacement.

Fifth, it strengthens control over the entire manufacturing process, specifying requirements for raw materials and production management to enhance safety fundamentally.

Consumers may sometimes misuse or abuse power banks. Beyond the misuse safety requirements in GB 31241 and GB 4943.1, the new standard specifies safety requirements for additional scenarios: 1) Port Misoperation: As input and output ports are becoming similar in shape, consumers might mistakenly connect a charger to an output-only port. The standard sets safety requirements for such incorrect connections. 2) Under-voltage Disablement: Power banks left idle for extended periods may experience under-voltage due to normal self-discharge. Internal micro-shorts can also cause significant under-voltage quickly. The standard requires an under-voltage disablement function to prevent continued use of potentially hazardous units.

The new standard establishes a dual safeguard system combining "hardware safety and intelligent management." On one hand, it fortifies products physically through rigorous tests like overcharging, compression, and nail penetration. On the other hand, it mandates real-time monitoring and traceability of data such as voltage and temperature through intelligent features, making safety not just reliable but also visible.

The formulation of this "Technical Specification" serves to protect consumer rights and drives a comprehensive upgrade in corporate technical standards.

Enterprises must strictly adhere to the new requirements in product development, design, and production. This involves strengthening the selection and control of suppliers for raw materials and key components to ensure all product indicators meet the new standard.

The 12-month transition period follows common practice, as such periods for mandatory national standards typically range from 6 to 12 months. Given the significant upgrades required in areas like batteries, protection circuits, and production processes, a 12-month period is provided from the release date until official implementation. This timeframe allows companies to adjust their R&D, designs, and production lines, ensuring a smooth market introduction of compliant products. It also provides distributors and retailers adequate time to manage existing inventory, preventing resource waste and market disruption while maintaining stable supply.

The new standard substantially raises the safety threshold, prompting the industry to shift from chaotic price competition towards healthy rivalry centered on safety, quality, and innovation. For companies, this represents not just a mandatory qualification test but also an accelerator for systematically enhancing R&D and quality control capabilities.

Consumers can continue to normally use previously purchased, CCC-certified compliant mobile power sources after the new standard takes effect. Passengers may still carry these certified power banks on flights if they meet current aviation regulations. However, it is emphasized that improper use—such as damage from impact, severe crushing, or overcharging—increases risks. Passengers are advised not to carry power banks showing signs of such damage.