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News October 23, 2024

Promo Suppliers Respond to Anker Power Bank Recall

Industry firms such as Hirsch and Gemline carry products from the brand, but items the suppliers stock are not affected by the recall, which was triggered by fire and burn hazards.

By  Christopher Ruvo

Key Takeaways

• Recall Launched: Anker recalled 2,100 power banks due to fire and burn hazards, with reports of at least two injuries.

• Promo Reacts: Suppliers Hirsch (asi/61005) and Gemline (asi/56070) confirmed to ASI Media that their stocked Anker products are unaffected by the recall.

• Take Action: People should stop using the recalled models (A1642, A1647, A1652) and contact Anker for replacement instructions.

At least two people have reportedly suffered burns, some first and second degree, after their Anker power banks caught fire – incidents that have played a lead role in prompting a recall of 2,100 of the lithium-ion battery-powered electronic devices.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), along with Anker, announced the recall after the China-based manufacturer/brand received 28 reports of batteries overheating and exploding, with the power banks catching fire.

The products in question are Anker power banks with model numbers A1642, A1647 and A1652.

Promo suppliers that include Houston-based Hirsch (asi/61005) and Counselor Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070) carry Anker products. Both suppliers told ASI Media that they looked into the issue and confirmed that the products they stock are not affected by the recall.

“Hirsch is thankful to say that we have not sold, nor do we stock, any of the Anker models impacted by the recall,” the company told ASI Media. The firm added that it’s confident Anker will “address any future issues.”

Gemline told ASI Media that it was in direct contact with Anker over the recall and was able to get assurances that none of the Gem stock is impacted.

“We have an agreement with Anker wherein they make us aware of any recalls, even if Gem is not affected,” Dawn Ring, senior marketing communications manager at Gemline, told ASI Media. “Thankfully, we do not have any recall issues with our current product line, and we make sure that we stay abreast of any recalls.”

A search of ESP and ESP+, ASI’s digital databases that house a vast selection of products from suppliers throughout the promotional products industry, did not turn up Anker products with the model numbers affected.

Still Concerned? Take These Steps

Nonetheless, if distributors have concerns that they may have sourced the affected power banks they can contact Anker at 800-988-7973 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, and/or email at support@anker.com.

Distributors and consumers can also visit https://support.anker.com/s/emailcontactus for help, and a LiveChat function is available at https://support.anker.com/s/contact-us. Heading to https://www.anker.com/product-recalls is another option for next steps, if needed.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power banks and contact Anker for instructions on receiving a free replacement power bank,” the CPSC stated. “Consumers should dispose of the lithium-ion batteries in accordance with local and state regulations.”

According to product safety officials, the recalled power banks retailed at Best Buy, Target, NEXT TRADING SAS, C2 Wireless and K Spider Inc. stores nationwide. Online, Anker sold the products on Amazon.com, eBay.com, AliExpress.com and Walmart.com from January 2024 through July 2024. The price range for the items was between $40 and $60.

The CPSC said that the power banks can be used as a portable electronic charging device for smartphones, tablets and laptops with a 12W (A1642), 15W(A1647) and 20W(A1652) maximum output. Anker is engraved on the front, and the model numbers – A1642, A1647 and A1652 – are located on the back of the power bank.