The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned authorisations for all new foreign-made consumer routers, citing national security risks, while existing devices remain unaffected.
The decision which came on Monday applies only to new models. Devices already purchased by consumers are unaffected, and retailers may continue to import and sell routers that previously received FCC approval.
“By operation of the FCC’s Covered List rules, the restrictions imposed today apply to new device models,” the commission said.
Routers, essential for internet access in homes, offices, and businesses, are now under scrutiny due to concerns that foreign-produced models could compromise US supply chains and cybersecurity.
The FCC’s national security determination warned that allowing overseas routers to dominate the market presents “unacceptable economic, national security, and countersecurity risks.”
To address these concerns, technology companies may request exemptions through a “conditional approval” process overseen by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
Applicants must provide detailed corporate and supply chain information, along with a time-bound plan to establish or expand manufacturing within the United States. Conditional approvals would be valid for up to 18 months.
This move follows previous FCC actions against foreign technology. In 2021, the commission blacklisted telecommunications equipment from major Chinese firms, including Huawei and ZTE, citing national security concerns.
Additional firms were added in 2022 and 2024. In December last year, the FCC similarly banned foreign-made drones on national security grounds.
The FCC emphasised that the ban is aimed at protecting the integrity of US networks and critical infrastructure while encouraging domestic manufacturing of sensitive technology.
