A quick search in any B2B supplier list shows thousands of suppliers selling mobile power banks and related products. Yet, buyers who consider price as the first criterion for selecting suppliers risk finding themselves in trouble. In this article, we explain what really matters when choosing power bank manufacturers and what overseas buyers need to know about technical specifications, product regulations, and transportation restrictions.
Important factors when choosing power bank and battery manufacturers
As with the electronics industry in general, the power bank manufacturing industry is also largely concentrated in Shenzhen, one of the major cities in China’s southern Guangdong province. It should be emphasized that there is also a number of manufacturers of such items in Ningbo and a few other cities in Zhejiang province.
When we conducted extensive research on the power bank industry in 2014, given the large number of new customers in the industry, we found that very few power bank suppliers were also power bank manufacturers. Since this is a very common situation in many sectors, and not only with regard to power banks, it is certainly not a surprise. That said, I find it important to mention this in this article.
What we found out in 2014 is that a large percentage of power bank suppliers sell such devices that were initially made for the Chinese domestic market. As all buyers with experience in the electronics industry know, these products generally do not comply with European and American safety regulations. Such devices, which cannot even be manufactured in accordance with local regulations, may lack the overheating and overload protection, protections that are part of the regulatory scope of Western markets such as Europe or the United States. As this press release from TÜV Rheinland reveals, there have been numerous power bank accidents inside and outside mainland China.
From my point of view, not all suppliers are good enough and not all importers are so wise as not to put the price issue first. Obviously, as already mentioned, a system that complies with strict safety regulations is more expensive to build than a system that does not comply with these regulations. As such, importers must limit their selection of suppliers to those who not only manufacture the power banks (instead of relying on a wholesaler), but who can also show extensive proven compliance and the application of a quality management system. Below is a brief summary of the factors that really matter:
| FACTOR | EXPLANATION |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers and wholesalers | By ‘wholesalers’ we refer to a company that does not have its own production facilities, nor is it part of a larger group that owns production facilities. Technical skills are key in this industry, and it is rare for traders to possess such insights that they can be trusted. Although buying from wholesalers sometimes makes sense, I can’t find a single good reason when it comes to importing power banks or other energy-related products. |
| Proven compliance | A test report and/or product certificate is only valid for the specific SKU mentioned on the document. A production plant, as a whole, cannot be ‘certified’ or considered ‘compliant’. Suppliers who do not have prior documentation proving the production of power banks that comply with Italian regulations, in most cases are not even able to comply with these regulations. |
| Quality management system | A quality management system is applied to monitor and manage defective items throughout the production process. Such systems are particularly important in the electronics industry, where defects can easily multiply if they are not detected early in the process. Given the risks to consumers using defective electronic products, a quality management system is the key factor in choosing a power bank manufacturer. |
Product Specifications
As with most technical products, the price of a power bank completely depends on its specifications. Consider it for what it is: a system. There is no general definition of what defines ‘good quality’ and prices differ completely according to different specifications. Therefore, importers need to make sure they compare the right specifications when recruiting power bank manufacturers in China.
This is true regardless of whether the company intends to purchase an OEM or ODM product. Below is a table with the general specifications to be taken into account.
| Mobile phone | Samsung with li-ion | Connector(s) | 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Power | 4000 mAh | Electrical | European |
| Input | 5.0V (+/– 0.2V)/1A | Display | Nobody |
| Energy produced | 5.0V (+/– 0.2V)/1A | Protection | Overload and short-circuit protection |
| Efficiency | 90% (+/- 2%) | Standards / Directives | Outer shell (REACH), LVD, EMC, IEC 62133, IEC 60950-1 and UL 1642 |
| Duration | (Can be recharged) ≥ 500 times | Outer shell material | Aluminum alloy and ABS |
| Operating | -5°C ~ +55°C | Weight | 110 grams |
| Charging | 5 hours | Dimensions | 23 × 23 × 103mm |
Standards and directives
Electronic systems and energy-related products, including power banks, are regulated in the most developed markets. Some regulations and directives apply indirectly to power banks, meaning they apply to all electronic systems, such as the Low Voltage Directive and the EMC Directive for the European Union and the FCC Part 15 for the United States.
Other regulations, for some of which compliance is voluntary, but strongly recommended, relate specifically to batteries and energy-related products. Here are some of the most important ones:
- IEC62133
- IEC60950-1
- UL 1642
As already mentioned in this article, not all Chinese manufacturers are able to guarantee compliance with either technical regulations or foreign regulations. Since this should not be taken for granted, proper documentation verification is crucial before selecting a power bank manufacturer in China or any other country. What importers should also note is that a product certificate, and related technical support documentation, is only valid for the SKUs listed. The supplier ‘as a whole’ cannot be considered compliant, but only the tested product can be considered as such. Buyers, therefore, must not only check whether their power bank manufacturer is compliant, but also whether the SKUs they intend to purchase are compliant.
In the event that your company intends to purchase a SKU that is not already certified as compliant, all is not lost. A supplier with technical expertise and experience can, by redesigning and using high-quality components, ensure compliance and then submit a sample for testing. Conformity checks can take place in China, as there are many international companies in charge of carrying out tests and issuing certifications relating to tests on energy products.
Labelling requirements
In addition to the regulations and directives already mentioned, the labelling requirements for both the product unit and its packaging may also apply depending on the target market of the goods. Yet, ensuring compliance with labelling requirements means above all providing the right graphic files. Buyers, once again, refrain from making assumptions, including the assumption that a supplier is perfectly aware of the Italian labeling requirements.
Transportation restrictions
As of January 1, 2015, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced new air transportation regulations that apply to lithium batteries, including products that contain lithium batteries internally. This set of regulations applies differently depending on the type of battery (e.g., lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries) and its power output. However, the scope of the regulations includes the following:
- Export packaging: All batteries must be separated and individually packed with plastic wrap and foam divider.
- Warning labels: A warning sticker of the appropriate type and size must be attached to each package.
- Documentation: Additional documentation containing the seller’s operating instructions and contact information must be enclosed with the air waybill.
To date, I have not had to deal directly with these regulations. However, we have managed restrictions on the transport of batteries that are similar to these regulations. We have found that many small suppliers are completely unaware of these restrictions and offer their buyers little or no support to ensure compliance. This has not only affected energy-related products, but also wristwatches.
However, these situations occur almost exclusively when importers select smaller traders who, essentially, assume that all suppliers are the same and that the only difference lies in price. With the entry into force of IATA regulations, importers cannot afford to take on these risks.
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