If you import power banks into the European Union in 2026, three sets of rules apply at once: the CE-marking directives for the electronics, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) for the consumer product as a whole, and the new EU Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 for the battery inside. The Batteries Regulation is the one changing fastest. New label requirements start in August 2026 and QR codes follow in February 2027, so orders you place now may arrive under different rules than last year’s stock.
This guide is for EU importers, distributors and private-label brands buying solar power banks, wireless power banks and other portable chargers from China. It explains who does what, which documents to request from your factory, and what to check on the label before goods ship. It is a practical summary, not legal advice. Confirm the details for your products with a notified body or compliance consultant.
The Three Rule Sets at a Glance
| Rule | What it covers | What you need from the factory |
|---|---|---|
| CE marking: Low Voltage, EMC and RoHS directives (and RED for products with radio functions) | Electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, hazardous substances | Test reports to the standards used, a Declaration of Conformity, technical file |
| GPSR (EU) 2023/988, applies since 13 December 2024 | General safety of consumer products, traceability, online sales | Product risk assessment, technical documentation, traceability details on the product |
| Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 | The battery itself: labeling, substance limits, collection, documentation | Battery data for the label (chemistry, capacity, weight, manufacturer), test reports, data for your producer registration |
GPSR: Every Product Needs an EU Responsible Person
Under GPSR, a consumer product placed on the EU market needs a responsible economic operator established in the EU. For a power bank made in China, that is usually the EU importer, or an authorized representative or fulfilment service provider who has accepted the role in writing. A Chinese factory cannot fill this role itself.
The responsible person’s name, postal address and electronic contact must appear on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document. Online marketplaces check this, and listings without the details can be removed. Plan the label and packaging artwork with these details before production, not after the goods arrive.
Importers must also keep the technical documentation available and make sure a risk assessment was done. For a lithium battery product, that assessment should cover overheating, overcharging, short circuit, drop damage and misuse such as leaving the unit in a hot car.
Batteries Regulation: Dates That Affect 2026 Orders
- Labeling from 18 August 2026. Portable batteries must carry a label with general information such as manufacturer, battery category, date of manufacture, weight, capacity and chemistry. Rechargeable portable batteries also need capacity information. Check the final wording of Article 13 and the related implementing acts with your compliance advisor, because some dates are linked to the adoption of those acts.
- QR code from 18 February 2027. Batteries must be marked with a QR code that gives access to product information.
- Removability rules from 18 February 2027. These apply to products that incorporate portable batteries. Whether and how they apply to a standalone power bank is a legal question to settle with your advisor before you design new models.
- Producer responsibility. Whoever first makes the battery available in each EU country must register as a producer there and finance collection. See our guide to power bank registration in Germany for an example.
For a power bank, the “battery” and the “product” are almost the same thing. That makes the label on the housing and the gift box the most important compliance surface. Leave enough space on both.
CE Marking: Test to the Right Standards
For a typical power bank, test reports usually cover:
- Electrical safety of the product, commonly to EN IEC 62368-1
- Safety of the lithium cells and pack, commonly to EN IEC 62133-2
- EMC emissions and immunity
- RoHS substance limits
- For wireless charging pads, the radio and EMC requirements that apply to wireless power transfer
Your notified body or test lab will confirm the exact standard set. A Declaration of Conformity must name the standards and be signed by the manufacturer. Ask for reports that match the exact model, cell and circuit you are buying. A report for a similar model with a different cell does not cover your product.
What We Provide as the Manufacturer
Our factories in Shenzhen and Dongguan hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, and about one fifth of our export volume goes to Western Europe. For EU orders we can usually support:
- CE-related test reports and Declaration of Conformity for the ordered model
- UN38.3 test summary and SDS/MSDS for shipping
- Battery data for your EU label: chemistry, rated capacity, weight, manufacturing date format
- Label and gift-box artwork with space for your responsible person details, the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol and future QR code
- Manuals with safety and disposal information in your languages
Ask for the document list for each model before you confirm the order. If a report needs to be updated for the new battery rules, it is faster to plan it with the sample stage.
EU Import Checklist for Power Banks
- Name your EU responsible person and put their details in the artwork
- Collect test reports, Declaration of Conformity and risk assessment for each model
- Check that the battery label carries the required information and the collection symbol
- Register as a battery producer in each EU country where you sell
- Keep UN38.3 and SDS documents for your forwarder
- Prepare for the QR code requirement on stock arriving after February 2027
- Keep all documents available for authorities
What to Send Us for an Accurate Quote
- Models from our solar power bank or wireless power bank range
- EU countries you sell in and your sales channel (retail, marketplace, B2B)
- Your EU responsible person details for the artwork
- Required languages for manuals and packaging
- Quantity per model and color, and target arrival date
Contact our sales team with these details and we will send a document list with the quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Chinese manufacturer be the GPSR responsible person?
No. The responsible person must be established in the EU, usually the importer, an authorized representative or a fulfilment service provider that has accepted the role.
When do the new EU battery labels apply?
The general label requirements apply from 18 August 2026 and the QR code from 18 February 2027. Some dates depend on implementing acts, so confirm with your advisor.
Is CE marking enough to sell power banks in the EU?
No. CE covers the electrical directives. You also need to meet GPSR and the Batteries Regulation, including labeling and producer registration.
Which standards are usually used for power bank safety?
Commonly EN IEC 62368-1 for the product and EN IEC 62133-2 for the lithium battery, plus EMC and RoHS. Your test lab confirms the full set.
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