Erinome: Hello dear friends, today we are going to talk about a new rule for power banks and lithium batteries. It's called the 3C certification rule, and it starts on August 15th. You know that?
Enceladus: August 15th? Oh, that's just two days from now! What's this new rule about exactly?
Erinome: Well, from that day, all power banks and lithium batteries without 3C certification can't be made, imported, or sold anymore. The government wants to make them safer, you know.
Enceladus: Why is this rule needed? Are there many safety problems with power banks?
Erinome: Oh yes, very sad. In 2024, market regulators found 17 batches of power banks with battery safety issues. Some big brands even had to recall their products because they used bad batteries or no overcharge protection.
Enceladus: Wow, that's dangerous! So 3C certification is like a safety check, right?
Erinome: Exactly! 3C certification is a mandatory safety check in China. It makes sure products are safe for people and the environment. Now, all power banks must have this certification, or they will be taken off the shelves.
Enceladus: What about companies? How do they get this certification now?
Erinome: The process is different now. Before, companies could get the certificate first and then check the factory later. But now? They must pass the factory check first, then get the certificate. Oh, and there's a "company grading" system too—A, B, C, D levels.
Enceladus: Company grading? What's that for?
Erinome: A-level companies are the best—they have fewer checks, maybe every 2 years. But C or D-level? Oh no, they get surprise checks often, like every 3 months! And if they fail, their certificate might be stopped.
Enceladus: That sounds strict. Did any companies have problems because of this?
Erinome: Sad to say, yes. Some companies didn't change their ways. One boss in Shenzhen even cried because his products passed the sample test, but the factory products failed the new on-site check. He lost big orders, like over 10 million yuan.
Enceladus: Oh no, that's a lot of money. So for us consumers, how do we know if a power bank has real 3C certification?
Erinome: Good question! The government gave three ways to check. First, color: real 3C标志 (biāozhì, mark) is white background with black design, edges sharp. If you hold it to the light, the black "CCC" letters are clear, no blurry shadows.
Enceladus: Got it, color check. What's the second way?
Erinome: Second, 3D look! Put the mark at eye level. Real ones have a 3D, floating effect inside the diamond frame. Fake ones are flat, no layers. Wow, that's cool, right?
Enceladus: Haha, like a magic trick! Third way?
Erinome: Third, check online! Go to the national certification website (cx.cnca.cn) and type the certificate number. Or scan the QR code on the package. That's the most sure way.
Enceladus: I need to try that with my power bank tonight! What if companies use fake marks?
Erinome: The rule is strict! If they sell products with fake marks, they might get fined 10%-20% of the product value. And if they lie about test data, they get blacklisted for 3 years. No more certifications!
Enceladus: That's a big punishment. So what will happen to the power bank market now?
Erinome: Experts say small companies might have a hard time. Maybe 20% of small factories will close because they can't meet the new rules. Big, good companies will get more market share.
Enceladus: So for us, we should buy from good brands, not cheap ones without certification?
Erinome: Exactly! Safety is no small thing. Don't save money on unsafe products. A certified power bank is the first step to safe charging.
Enceladus: Got it! So remember: check the 3C mark's color, 3D look, and scan the QR code. And buy from A or B-level companies if possible.
Erinome: You got it! This new rule will make the market safer. Both companies and consumers need to get used to it.
Enceladus: Yeah, it's a good change for everyone's safety.
Erinome: Okay, that's it for today. Let's talk again next time. Stay safe with your power banks! Bye!
Enceladus: Bye!
