Enhance the Safety of Power Banks with UL 2056 Testing

Consumers are constantly on the go and need electrical power to keep a growing collection of portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, charged and ready for use. The global power bank market is projected to grow from $13.48 billion (USD) to $31.06 billion (USD) by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. 

As power bank use surges, fire incidents are a growing concern. The global power bank industry has faced increasing scrutiny due to a rise in safety incidents, including fires, explosions and product recalls. These events have affected multiple global brands and have prompted regulatory actions across several markets. For manufacturers, demonstrating compliance to safety requirements has become all the more imperative in light of these incidents.

Global safety incidents involving power banks:

In-flight fire – South Korea (January 2025)

A power bank caught fire aboard an Air Busan flight to Hong Kong, forcing an emergency landing at Gimhae International Airport. There were 176 passengers onboard, and several suffered minor burns. The incident triggered nationwide aviation safety warnings. 

 

Recalls in the United States

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued multiple recalls of power banks due to fire and burn hazards. One such recall involved over 1 million units and was linked to 19 reports of fires and explosions, two burn injuries and over USD $60,000 in property damage. 

Regulatory crackdown in China

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and its Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) have launched a nationwide campaign to inspect and regulate power bank safety. This includes suspending thousands of China Compulsory Certification (CCC) certificates and increasing enforcement on uncertified or noncompliant products.  
 

Recently, China banned uncertified power banks on all domestic flights starting June 28, 2025, as aviation authorities tighten safety rules following several onboard fire incidents linked to power banks. Passengers will no longer be allowed to bring power banks that lack the official China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark. 

What is the impact?

Financial and reputational damage from safety incidents can be significant. Manufacturers may incur substantial costs associated with product recalls, including logistics, replacements and disposal. Legal exposure from consumer lawsuits and regulatory fines can also escalate quickly. However, the most damage often stems from the erosion of brand trust. Once lost, consumer confidence is difficult to rebuild. Even well-established global brands have suffered intense public backlash and media scrutiny following safety incidents.

Benefits of UL 2056 certification

UL 2056, the Standard for Power Banks, covers critical safety aspects such as overcharge/discharge protection, short-circuit and overload testing, drop and impact resistance, and thermal safety. Certification to UL 2056 helps demonstrate that products have been tested for consumer safety and regulatory compliance. Importantly, UL 2056 has recently been added to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) list of Appropriate Test Standards, and UL Solutions is the first Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to apply the standard.

How can UL Solutions help?

UL Solutions brings more than 40 years of experience in battery evaluation and testing. Our product testing and certification services help manufacturers demonstrate compliance with safety standards and regulations. 

As the only NTRL offering UL 2056 certification, UL Solutions can help you with technical support, preliminary investigations and full testing and certification of your power banks.