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New Regulations for Mobile Batteries on Aircraft - Prohibition of Storage in Overhead Bins and the Background of Global Safety Enhancements -

New Regulations for Mobile Batteries on Aircraft - Prohibition of Storage in Overhead Bins and the Background of Global Safety Enhancements -

2025年07月07日 16:11

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Overview of Rule Changes in Japan

  3. Learning from Past Cases: The Reality of In-Flight Fires

  4. International Trends: Latest Regulations in Asia and the West

  5. The Science of Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

  6. 7 Practical Measures for Travelers

  7. Enhanced Measures by Airlines and Airport Security

  8. Impact on Mobile Battery Manufacturers and Market Restructuring

  9. Scenarios for Future Regulatory Deepening

  10. Summary and Checklist




1. Introduction

With the widespread use of smartphones and laptops, mobile batteries have become a "lifeline" for modern travelers. However, the series of smoke and fire incidents on aircraft worldwide from 2024 to 2025 highlights the trade-off between convenience and safety.

The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) officially decided on a "ban on storage shelves" in a directive dated July 1, with implementation starting on July 8.k-tai.watch.impress.co.jp



2. Overview of Rule Changes in Japan

  • Effective Date: July 8, 2025, 00:00 (Japan Time)

  • Applicable Airlines: All flights departing from and arriving in Japan (JAL, ANA, Peach, ZIPAIR, etc.)

  • Main Changes

    1. Prohibition on storing mobile batteries in overhead bins

    2. 100 Wh to 160 Wh: Up to 2 units allowed (must be declared for cabin carry-on)

    3. Below 100 Wh: No quantity limit (excessive carry-on may be restricted at staff discretion)

    4. Over 160 Wh: Prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage

    5. In-flight charging requires **“constant monitoring”** (in a visible location like seat pockets or on laps)

  • Measures for Violations: Collection by cabin crew, isolation in a water bucket, and possible emergency landing at the nearest airport indicated
    (from JAL's "Request Regarding Storage and Use of Mobile Batteries")jal.co.jp



Purpose of the Storage Ban

Many fire incidents occurred in storage shelves where passengers could not see them, leading to delays in detecting smoke, which resulted in major accidents. The aim is to promote initial detection by passengers so that cabin crew can respond quickly.



3. Learning from Past Cases: The Reality of In-Flight Fires

In the first half of 2025 alone, 9 domestic and 32 international mobile battery-related fires and smoke incidents were reported to the ICAO (non-public preliminary figures). On flights departing from China, 15 incidents were concentrated, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced on June 29 a ban on carrying uncertified and recalled items on board.reuters.comglobaltimes.cn



Representative Incidents

Date of OccurrenceAirlineRouteLocation of IgnitionImpact
2025/03Air BusanBusan→NaritaStorage Shelf2 crew members slightly injured, return flight canceled
2025/05ANAHaneda→NahaSeat PocketFire extinguisher used, 47-minute delay
2025/06EVA AirTaipei→SingaporeStorage ShelfEmergency landing, 310 passengers temporarily accommodated



Lessons Learned: Ignition in storage shelves leads to detection delays, taking an average of 90 seconds for fire extinguishers to arrive. Initial extinguishing is possible in less than 30 seconds around seats.



4. International Trends: Latest Regulations in Asia and the West

  • China: CAAC allows only "CCC certified" and "non-recalled" products. Violating items are confiscated at security checkpoints.reuters.com

  • Taiwan: Six airlines, including EVA Air, Starlux, and Tigerair, have voluntarily adopted a ban on storage shelves.ftnnews.com

  • Singapore Airlines Group (SIA/Scoot): Set a time period during which in-flight charging is completely prohibited (from takeoff to 30 minutes after reaching cruising stability).

  • Europe: EASA's April 2025 directive recommends refusing products without overcharge prevention ICs or PTC fuses.

  • US FAA: No specific ban on storage shelves, but individual airlines (Delta, United, etc.) recommend "visible storage in the cabin."

  • IATA DGR 2025 Draft Revision: Proposes revising Section 2.3.5 to state "Portable Electronic Devices containing lithium batteries must be kept under the passenger's direct control at all times" (awaiting vote in October 2025).


Note: Despite regulatory variations, the concept of **"management in a visible position"** is becoming an international standard.thesun.ie



5. The Science of Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

5.1 Mechanism of Thermal Runaway

Lithium-ion cells at around 130 °C undergo separator melting → internal short circuit → accelerated heat generation → leading to fire and explosion. High payload 20,000 mAh class models have more cells in series and often have energy densities > 250 Wh/kg. The heat generated during an internal short circuit exceeds 4,000 J, and 500 mL of water is insufficient for cooling.


5.2 Impact of High Altitude Environment

・Cabin pressure at 0.8 atm (equivalent to about 2,500 m) → lower boiling point accelerates organic electrolyte evaporation
・Humidity below 20% → reduced dielectric breakdown voltage
・Vibration and shock → terminal cracking → micro short circuit


5.3 Response to Fire

  • Use cabin-stocked D-type (dry powder) extinguishers or AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion)

  • Continuously spray over 500 mL of water to cool surface temperature below 70 °C

  • Isolate batteries with GNSS/communication equipment in a metal bucket and fireproof bag



6. 7 Practical Measures for Travelers

  1. Check Capacity: Verify that the Wh value on the device is below 100 Wh.

  2. Certification Labels: Check for PSE, UL2054, CE, FCC, CCC.

  3. Carry a Fireproof Bag: Lightweight silica fiber material (around 100 g).

  4. Cable Selection: Recommend UL94 V-0 flame-retardant sheath + E-Marker IC.

  5. Charging Timing: Conduct during gate waiting time before takeoff, when cabin crew are nearby.

  6. Visible Location: On lap or at the front of the seat pocket. Do not cover with a blanket.

  7. Product Life Management: Replace if over 500 charge-discharge cycles or showing signs of swelling.



7. Enhanced Measures by Airlines and Airport Security

  • X-ray Inspection AI Judgment: Automatically extracts battery shapes and alerts if over 160 Wh.

  • Pre-Gate Announcements: New rules communicated in Japanese, English, and Chinese.

  • Cabin Crew Training: Conduct scenario training (L1, L2 fire drill) company-wide every six months.

  • Stocking of Fireproof Storage Bags: JAL plans to complete deployment on all

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