FCC bans imports of new foreign-made internet routers in the US | Infinium-tech
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the sale and use of all new foreign-made Internet routers in the country with immediate effect. The FCC says foreign-made routers “introduce a supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt the U.S. economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense” and “pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States”.
All new consumer-grade routers produced in a foreign country are now placed on the FCC’s Covered Equipment list, meaning their radios will not be authorized to operate in US territory. This development does not affect existing routers, which can still be used, and retailers are still allowed to sell FCC-approved devices.
The FCC implemented a similar ban for foreign-made drones in December, and like that ban, there will be a loophole for routers as well. The Department of War (DoW) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have the power to approve routers pending investigation to ensure that the devices do not pose a security risk. Router makers can apply for conditional approval for their upcoming products, but they must commit to setting up manufacturing capacity on US soil.
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