Japanese investigators have uncovered a wide circulation of low-quality mobile power banks featuring falsified capacity specifications and counterfeit safety markings [1].

This discovery follows a dangerous trend of consumer electronics failing in the home. The proliferation of these unregulated devices poses a significant public safety risk, as the lack of genuine safety certifications is linked to a sharp rise in residential fires.

Reports indicate that mobile-battery-related fire incidents reached 482 in the past year [1]. The investigation revealed that fraudulent manufacturers and sellers intentionally falsified battery capacity and safety certifications to market cheaper, high-capacity products to unsuspecting consumers [1].

Authorities identified at least 10 companies that provided false registration information [1]. In some cases, the physical addresses associated with these businesses were found to be empty. One property owner said the registered individual had already left the country [2]. A cleaning staff member at another site said the location had been vacant for a long time [2].

The discrepancy between advertised and actual performance is most prevalent in larger devices. A sales representative who sells listed products said that for batteries such as those advertised at 40,000mAh, the actual capacity is often significantly different from the stated amount [2].

These devices often bypass standard safety protocols to reduce production costs. By using fake safety labels, sellers can distribute products through nationwide channels without undergoing the rigorous testing required for the Japanese market [1].

“Mobile-battery-related fire incidents reached 482 in the past year.”

The rise of 'ghost' companies and falsified certifications highlights a critical gap in the oversight of third-party electronics imports. As consumers increasingly rely on high-capacity portable power, the incentive for sellers to prioritize cost over safety creates a systemic risk that cannot be solved by consumer vigilance alone, requiring stricter customs enforcement and registration verification.