FCC advances upstream certification limits

The Federal Communications Commission is moving its China-related national security scrutiny deeper into the device approval pipeline, not just the finished products already on its “Covered List.” On April 30, the agency voted to propose cutting off recognition for test labs and certification bodies in countries without reciprocal agreements with the United States, while also adopting rules to speed approvals for devices tested in U.S. or other “trusted” labs. (docs.fcc.gov) The FCC said test labs are a key gate in the equipment authorization process required for electronics sold or imported in the United States. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has separately kept open a path for previously approved Chinese drones and consumer routers to receive software and firmware updates through the end of 2028. (docs.fcc.gov) ### Why is the FCC focused on test labs instead of only finished devices? The FCC said on April 30 that it wants to prohibit recognition of electronic device test labs and certification bodies in countries that do not have a Mutual Recognition Agreement or similar reciprocal trade arrangement with the United States. The proposal would phase those labs out over two years after final rules are adopted and implemented. The equipment authorization program covers products that emit radio frequencies, including smartphones, computers, cameras, routers and internet-connected devices, according to the FCC’s release and order. (docs.fcc.gov) The agency said the changes are meant to strengthen the “integrity, security, and reciprocity” of that process and to create a faster review track for devices tested in trusted labs. ### How much of the current testing system runs through China? The FCC said roughly 75% of electronics for the U.S. market are tested in labs located in China. That figure appeared in the agency’s April 30 materials and in Carr’s accompanying post about expanding domestic and allied testing capacity. (docs.fcc.gov) In May 2025, the commission had already adopted rules aimed at blocking labs and certification bodies owned or controlled by foreign adversaries from participating in the U.S. authorization system. In September 2025, the FCC said it began proceedings to withdraw recognition from seven China-controlled labs and said four others had expired and would not be renewed. (docs.fcc.gov) ### What did the FCC do on drones and routers? On May 12, Reuters reported that the FCC would allow Chinese drones and consumer routers already sold in the United States to keep receiving critical software updates through the end of 2028. The agency said the updates are meant to address consumer harm, including patches for vulnerabilities and compatibility fixes. (docs.fcc.gov) The same Reuters report said the policy does not reopen the door for new models that have already been blocked. Previously approved versions may still be imported and sold, but the software-update relief applies to maintaining functionality and security in devices already in the market. (docs.fcc.gov) ### Where do Chinese cellular modules fit into this? Reuters reported on May 13 that the Trump administration was debating whether to restrict Chinese-made cellular modules, the components that give connected devices access to cellular networks. (msn.com) Those modules are used inside a wide range of products, from industrial equipment to consumer internet-of-things devices, making them a more upstream target than a finished router or camera. A 2023 FCC letter responding to congressional concerns acknowledged security questions around cellular connectivity modules supplied by companies subject to the jurisdiction or direction of China. (telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com) Outside analysts at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said in an April 2026 memo that Chinese firms Quectel and Fibocom control nearly half the global market for such modules. ### Is this tied to the FCC’s existing Covered List process? The FCC’s Covered List identifies communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable national security risk under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. (techmeme.com) The list is maintained by the agency’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and already includes Chinese companies such as Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision and Dahua. Reuters said the FCC is separately considering whether to broaden restrictions on equipment from some of those companies after previously blocking imports or sales of new models in 2022. Hikvision has sued to challenge that plan, Reuters reported. (docs.fcc.gov) ### What happens next in the rulemaking? FCC document FCC 26-28 says comments on the April 30 proposal will be due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, with reply comments due 60 days after publication. (fcc.gov) The proceeding is ET Docket No. 24-136 and is listed on the FCC’s proposed rulemakings page. The next steps are procedural but specific: manufacturers, labs, trade groups and other participants will file comments in that docket, and any final rule would determine whether the two-year phaseout for non-reciprocal foreign labs takes effect. Carr and the rest of the commission would then have to vote on a final order. (telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com) (docs.fcc.gov 1) (docs.fcc.gov 2)