Electronics manufacturer Anker has recalled more than one million power banks for safety reasons posed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

  • The CPSC has received 19 reports of the Anker PowerCore 10000 overheating, leading to fires or explosions.
  • The recall applies to products with the model number “A1263” engraved on the power bank.


The CPSC advises, “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power banks and contact Anker Innovations for instructions on receiving a free replacement power bank.” Recalls can be initiated here.

While Anker does operate in the promotional marketplace, the recalled power banks were not promotional products. Gemline, which ranks as PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier and received high marks in Responsibility, accounts for the vast majority of Anker’s promo products.

Gemline’s senior product manager, Meaghan Palardy, told PPAI Media, “This does not affect any of the Anker products we currently carry.”

  • Gemline has proactively contacted its partners to inform them that it does not offer the recalled product and that they can continue to sell Anker products with confidence.
This does not affect any of the Anker products we carry.”

Meaghan Palardy

Senior Product Manager, Gemline

Promo Perspective

It’s worth noting that portable chargers are fairly common in the promotional marketplace, and Anker is one of the more ubiquitous manufacturers of such products. This underscores the fact that, beyond just safety precautions, proper research and compliance are necessary.

It’s important to be ready to handle potential recalls when offering certain products. Even with known and reputable brands, the possibility of a recall will remain.

Last year, at PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit, a panel was held discussing how to handle the possibility of being ordered to recall a product and the steps that need to be taken. In that situation, complying with the CPSC is absolutely critical, but the next priority is being intentional with messaging surrounding the recall.

“It’s important to move fast, but it’s also important to move smartly,” said Neal Cohen of Neal Cohen Law.

“You need to control everything, especially what the person says,” added Rick Brenner, president of Product Safety Advisors. “Yes, you want to be empathetic and show concern, [but] there should be a very disciplined and scripted response of what they can say, and the escalation process of who does what next.”