Don't Let Consumers Pay for Governance Issues with Power Banks

Shanghai Securities Times reporter Han Zhongnan

As passengers rummage through their backpacks at airport security checkpoints to confirm whether the power bank shell has a small "3C" label, a storm of industry governance is sweeping across the country.

Since this year, the regulatory efforts surrounding problem power banks have become increasingly intense. From high schools banning certain leading brands of power banks to the Civil Aviation Administration issuing urgent notices, prohibiting passengers from carrying power banks without "3C" labels on domestic flights... overnight, the essential power bank that people carry daily has been labeled as a "dangerous product."

After the new regulations took effect, the number of substandard power banks intercepted at airports increased significantly. On one side, airports are busy rectifying non-compliant products, while on the other side, second-hand transaction platforms are selling off "intercepted goods" as hotcakes. Insiders revealed that these so-called "intercepted goods" were actually excess inventory deliberately cleared out by some merchants to capitalize on the hype.

Even more absurd is the scenario unfolding in hidden corners of e-commerce platforms: recently, a batch of businesses offering certification services for power banks has emerged, despite multiple e-commerce platforms already blocking keywords related to "3C stickers." These merchants are still selling counterfeit labels, making it even harder to govern problem power banks.

Unbeknownst to the public, this storm of governance actions is quietly shifting costs to consumers. Passengers who neglect to carry non-3C certified power banks face losses due to their inability to bring them along; ordinary consumers who unknowingly purchase problem power banks must not only bear the risk of use but also face the embarrassment of being unable to use them when policies tighten. They are unable to distinguish genuine from counterfeit products, difficult to trace the source of responsibility, and ultimately forced to foot the bill for industry chaos.

The problem lies where? It's actually a breakdown in production, sales, and certification processes. Manufacturers produce power banks using substandard materials and unapproved manufacturing processes to maximize profits; e-commerce platforms lack rigorous review, allowing non-compliant products to flow freely; and the certification process is rife with problems, with some businesses buying certifications or labeling them as "tested" products.

The ultimate goal of this governance storm should be to allow each consumer to confidently select and use power banks without worrying about others' mistakes. Ultimately, it's crucial that those responsible for the issue bear responsibility. Manufacturers, sales platforms, certification agencies, and regulatory authorities must all take their responsibilities seriously and carry out strict enforcement.