Importing power banks into Great Britain is close to importing them into the EU, but not identical. Products still need to meet the GB electrical safety, EMC and RoHS rules, and the importer in the UK carries the legal duties for products made in China. On top of that, the UK Civil Aviation Authority adopted new rules for power banks carried by air passengers from 27 March 2026, which change what you should write on your product pages and packaging for travel retail.
This guide is for UK importers, wholesalers and online sellers of solar power banks, wireless power banks and portable chargers. It covers the marking question (UKCA or CE), the documents to request, labeling for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the 2026 travel rules. Because UK product-safety policy has been changing, confirm the current position for your products on gov.uk or with a UK approved body before you ship.
UKCA or CE: What to Put on the Product
After Brexit the UK created the UKCA mark for Great Britain. The government has since extended recognition of CE marking for many product types, including much consumer electronics, so many importers use CE marking for Great Britain. Northern Ireland follows EU rules under the Windsor Framework and requires CE marking.
The practical rule: if you sell in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland, CE marking with full EU-standard test documentation covers the most ground. If you also use UKCA, make sure the supporting documents and the Declaration of Conformity are UK-specific. Check the current recognition policy for electrical equipment on gov.uk before each new product launch, because the rules have been revised several times.
Standards and Documents
| Area | Typical standard or document |
|---|---|
| Product electrical safety | BS EN IEC 62368-1 |
| Lithium battery safety | BS EN IEC 62133-2 |
| EMC | EMC test report for the model |
| Substances | RoHS compliance |
| Transport | UN38.3 test summary, SDS/MSDS |
| Legal declaration | Declaration of Conformity naming the standards |
Your test lab confirms the exact standard list. Reports must match the model, cell and circuit you buy.
The Importer’s Duties
- Make sure the manufacturer has carried out the conformity assessment and the technical documentation exists
- Put your company name and UK address on the product, packaging or accompanying document
- Provide instructions and safety information in English
- Keep documents available for market surveillance authorities
- Act on safety problems, including recalls, if a product proves unsafe
- Register for and finance the take-back of waste batteries and electrical equipment under the UK producer responsibility schemes
2026 Air Travel Rules: Update Your Product Pages
From 27 March 2026, the UK Civil Aviation Authority applies updated rules for lithium batteries and power banks carried by passengers, following an ICAO change. In summary, power banks travel in cabin baggage only, passengers are limited in how many they can carry, and recharging power banks on board is not allowed. Power banks up to 100 Wh can be carried without airline approval, units from 100 to 160 Wh need approval, and anything above 160 Wh is not allowed on passenger aircraft. Individual airlines can be stricter.
For sellers this means:
- Print the capacity in Wh on the product, not only mAh. A 20,000 mAh unit at 3.7 V is about 74 Wh.
- Write “carry-on only, check your airline’s rules” in travel listings.
- Avoid travel marketing that implies charging on the plane.
Which of Our Products Suit the UK Market
Our solar power banks are popular with UK outdoor and festival retailers, and our wireless and magnetic models suit everyday and corporate gift channels. For travel retail, choose models whose Wh rating is under 100 Wh and ask us to confirm the figure on the label. Ask for the document set for the exact model before you order.
For EU-specific battery labeling that also affects Northern Ireland, see our EU compliance guide.
What to Send Us for an Accurate Quote
- Models from our solar power bank or wireless power bank range
- Markets: Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or both
- Marking preference: CE, UKCA, or both
- Your UK importer name and address for the label
- Quantity per model, branding and packaging needs
Contact our sales team for a quote and document list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell CE-marked power banks in Great Britain?
The UK has extended recognition of CE marking for many product types, including much consumer electronics. Check the current policy on gov.uk for your product category before shipping.
Do power banks for Northern Ireland need CE marking?
Yes. Northern Ireland follows EU product rules under the Windsor Framework.
What changed for flying with power banks in 2026?
From 27 March 2026 the UK CAA applies updated rules: cabin baggage only, limits on how many a passenger carries, and no recharging power banks on board.
What Wh rating should I show on the label?
Show the Wh rating calculated from the rated capacity and nominal voltage. Our team provides the figure for each model.