Flying out of China, including from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), comes with security rules that are stricter and in some ways different from those in Europe or North America. A few of them surprise almost every first-time visitor: power banks now need a specific Chinese safety mark, liquids are banned from carry-on on domestic flights, and lighters and matches are not allowed at all. This guide explains what you cannot bring on a flight from China, what is restricted, and how to pack so you are not stopped at security.
Power banks and lithium batteries: the rule that catches people out
Since 28 June 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) bans passengers from carrying a power bank that does not have a clear China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark, or that is a recalled model. This applies to domestic flights in mainland China and to the domestic legs of international trips. The common European CE mark does not count: if your power bank shows only a CE mark, or the marking is missing or unclear, it can be confiscated at security.
The capacity limits are separate and also apply to spare lithium batteries:
- Up to 100 Wh: allowed in carry-on, no approval needed.
- 100 Wh to 160 Wh: allowed only with airline approval, and at most two per passenger.
- Over 160 Wh, or with no clear Wh rating printed on the case: not allowed.
Power banks and spare batteries must go in your carry-on, never in checked baggage, and you should not charge devices from a power bank during the flight. Pack them where you can reach them, since security may ask to see the rating and the CCC mark.
Liquids: the rule is different on domestic and international flights
This is the second big surprise. On domestic flights within mainland China, liquids are not allowed in carry-on baggage at all. You can pack them in checked baggage instead. The only exception is a small amount of cosmetics: one container of each type, no larger than 100 ml.
On international flights leaving China, the familiar rule applies: liquids in containers of up to 100 ml, carried together in one clear resealable bag of about one liter. So if you connect from an international arrival onto a domestic Chinese flight, repack your liquids into checked baggage before the domestic leg.
Lighters and matches: not allowed at all
Unlike many countries that let you carry one lighter, China bans lighters and matches completely. You cannot take them in carry-on baggage, in checked baggage, or on your person. Leave them behind before you reach the airport, since they will be removed at security.
Always prohibited for security
These items are banned from both carry-on and checked baggage on any flight leaving China:
- Weapons and imitation weapons, firearms, ammunition, and parts.
- Sharp objects intended as weapons, and martial-arts equipment.
- Explosives and pyrotechnics, including fireworks and flares.
- Flammable materials such as paint, thinner, petrol, lighter fuel, and portable camping stoves.
- Compressed gas cylinders, unless empty and approved.
- Corrosive, toxic, radioactive, and infectious materials, for example strong acids, rat poison, or wet batteries.
- Self-defense items such as pepper spray, tear gas, and electric shock devices.
Restricted items: allowed with limits or a declaration
- E-cigarettes and vapes: carry-on only, and you may not use them on board. Carry spare pods and batteries in the cabin. Note that vape pods and e-liquid can be hard to buy in China, so bring what you need.
- Powders: large quantities of powder may face extra screening or be moved to checked baggage, so keep big tubs in your checked bag.
- Medicines: bring them in their original packaging with a doctor's note or prescription for anything unusual, and declare controlled medication.
- Large amounts of cash: significant sums of currency must be declared to customs, so check the limits before you travel.
- Plants, fresh food, and animal products: these are often restricted by customs and quarantine, and may need a permit or be refused.
At a glance: common items
The table below covers the items travelers ask about most. When in doubt, put the item in checked baggage or leave it at home, and confirm with your airline.
| Item | Carry-on | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power bank with clear CCC mark, up to 100 Wh | Yes | No | Carry-on only, never checked |
| Power bank without or with unclear CCC mark | No | No | Banned since 28 June 2025 |
| Spare lithium batteries | Yes | No | Up to 160 Wh; 100 to 160 Wh needs airline approval |
| Liquids over 100 ml, domestic flight | No | Yes | Domestic China: no liquids in carry-on except small cosmetics |
| Lighters and matches | No | No | Banned completely in China |
| E-cigarette or vape | Yes | No | No use on board; bring spare pods |
| Weapons, fireworks, flammables, gases | No | No | Prohibited outright |
Tips for packing for a flight from China
- Check that your power bank has a clear CCC mark before you travel, and keep it in your carry-on.
- On a domestic Chinese flight, move all liquids except small cosmetics into your checked bag.
- Do not pack any lighter or matches, in either bag.
- Keep batteries, vapes, and power banks in the cabin, never in checked luggage.
- Arrive with time to spare, since security checks in China are thorough and queues can be long. For airport contact numbers and lost property, see our PKX contacts and services guide.
More Beijing Daxing airport guides
- Airport contacts, phone numbers and passenger services
- Airport WiFi and internet: reaching Google, WhatsApp and Maps
- Where to sleep: rest areas, sleeping pods and the Aerotel hotel
- Where to smoke at the airport and the rules on vaping
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a power bank on a flight from China?
Can I take liquids in carry-on on a domestic Chinese flight?
Are lighters and matches allowed on flights from China?
Can I pack a power bank or spare batteries in checked baggage?
Can I bring an e-cigarette or vape to Beijing Daxing Airport?
Sources: Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) notice on power banks (July 2025); CAAC and Chinese airline dangerous-goods and security guidance; airport security information. Image: "Beijing Daxing International Airport Terminal" by Tyg728, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Disclaimer: aviation security and customs rules change and vary by airline. Verify current rules with your airline and the CAAC before you travel.
