TMTPOST -- A surge in global power bank recalls has shaken the portable electronics industry, with millions of units pulled off the shelves due to fire and explosion risks tied to defective battery cells.

ROMOSS Technology was the first to act, announcing a recall of nearly 492,000 units across three models manufactured between June 2023 and July 2024. The move came just days after several Beijing universities banned the use of certain 20,000mAh ROMOSS power banks following reported explosions during charging. The issue quickly gained traction online, triggering wider scrutiny.

On June 20, Anker Innovations followed suit, initiating a recall of more than 710,000 units in China alone. With consumer prices ranging from 149 to 229 yuan, analysts estimate the potential refund cost could hit as high as 163 million yuan. Anker is also recalling over 1.15 million power banks sold in the United States, citing safety concerns related to overheating and fire risks.

Baseus Technology had previously recalled 38,814 units of its BS-30KP365 model back in April, making it the earliest mover in this unfolding crisis.

Industry insiders point to raw material issues from key battery supplier Apex (Wuxi) as a common thread. Anker disclosed that some lithium-ion battery cells were manufactured using unauthorized materials, increasing the risk of insulation failure and combustion.

Though Apex (Wuxi) declined to comment directly, sources confirm it as the root supplier for many of the affected products.

Apex (Wuxi) has supplied major tech players including Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, and Amazon. Several of its 3C certification licenses have been suspended since mid-June, alongside certifications from ROMOSS, Baseus, Xiaomi, and UGREEN.

The recalls have reignited scrutiny over China’s power bank supply chain, which has been squeezed by a relentless price war. Online, 10,000mAh units can sell for as little as 30 yuan, while 20,000mAh models have been promoted for just 69 yuan. Simultaneously, output power has soared from 65W to over 120W, putting further pressure on component safety.

"The race to the bottom in pricing directly conflicts with the cost of maintaining lithium battery safety," said one industry analyst. "This has created fertile ground for quality lapses and supply chain compromises."

Regulators are stepping up oversight. China’s 3C certification for power banks becomes mandatory from August 1, 2024, marking a new compliance era. But safety issues predate the rule. Anker previously issued a voluntary recall in September 2024 for models sold as far back as 2016.

With over 2 million units already recalled globally and certification suspensions still in place, airport security and consumer safety watchdogs are tightening scrutiny. Security staff warn that unbranded or uncertified power banks will now face blanket rejection.

The fallout continues to ripple across the industry. Apex is reportedly investigating the affected production batches, and some of its Wuxi factory lines have temporarily halted operations.

As China remains the world’s largest power bank market—accounting for nearly 39% of global demand—how it navigates this crisis could reshape global consumer electronics standards in the months ahead.