Update: New FCC Rules Affecting Consumer Routers – Action May Be Required
FCC Router Compliance
Important recent regulatory development that may affect certain wireless networking products intended for the U.S. market, particularly consumer-grade routers.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently adopted new national security–related rules that may restrict the authorization of certain consumer-grade routers manufactured outside the United States. Under this new policy, some newly manufactured foreign-produced consumer routers may not be eligible for new FCC equipment authorization unless specific government approvals are obtained. Without FCC authorization, new models cannot be imported, marketed, or sold in the United States.
It is important to note that this change primarily affects new product models and may not affect products that already have existing FCC approvals. In addition, not all products commonly referred to as “routers” fall within the scope of this rule. Many industrial, enterprise, embedded, IoT, and infrastructure devices may not be classified as consumer-grade routers under the FCC definition.
Because the classification and manufacturing details now play a critical role in determining market access to the United States, manufacturers should evaluate their products and supply chains carefully before proceeding with new FCC certification projects.
If you are planning to introduce new networking products to the U.S. market, we strongly recommend a regulatory review early in the product development or certification planning process to avoid unexpected delays or authorization issues.
Please contact us if you would like ACB to review a specific product or certification plan under the new FCC rules.
Sincerely,
American Certification Body, Inc. (ACB)
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the FCC Public Notice (DA-26-278A1) regarding the latest updates to the “Covered List.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Generally, no. This rule primarily impacts applications for new equipment authorizations. Devices that already have an existing FCC ID and are currently on the market are typically not affected unless they undergo a change that requires a new certification.
The FCC refers to the NIST IR 8425A definition, which focuses on devices intended for residential or home-office use that can be self-installed by the customer. Industrial and enterprise-grade infrastructure often falls into a different classification.
Manufacturing location is now a critical factor. While not all foreign-produced equipment is barred, the new rules require strict “Covered Equipment” determinations to ensure the manufacturer or the specific product is not on the FCC’s restricted list.
Equipment on the Covered List is prohibited from receiving an FCC equipment authorization. Without this authorization, the product cannot be legally imported, marketed, or sold within the United States.
