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FCC Covered List expansion bans foreign-made consumer routers in U.S. market

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its Covered List under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to include all consumer routers manufactured outside the United States, effectively banning the sale of new foreign-made models in the U.S. market. This expansion follows a March 20 National Security Determination by an interagency body that concluded foreign-produced routers pose unacceptable supply-chain risks capable of disrupting the U.S. economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense. The decision cites documented use of foreign-made routers by Volt Typhoon, Flax Typhoon, and Salt Typhoon threat actors in attacks targeting U.S. infrastructure. Existing routers remain unaffected, but new model availability may decline due to stringent certification requirements, including mandatory onshoring of critical component manufacturing and full supply-chain transparency. Approval pathways exist only for Department of War or Department of Homeland Security drone systems under specific conditions.

Timeline

  1. 24.03.2026 22:41 1 articles · 1h ago

    FCC prohibits new foreign-made consumer routers from U.S. market following national security assessment

    The FCC updated its Covered List to include all consumer routers manufactured abroad, barring their sale as new products in the U.S. The move follows a March 20 National Security Determination identifying supply-chain risks from foreign-made routers that could disrupt critical infrastructure. New certification rules require manufacturers to disclose full supply-chain details and commit to onshoring critical component production. Approval pathways are limited to specific government drone systems, while existing consumer routers remain unaffected.

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Information Snippets

  • The FCC Covered List now includes all consumer routers manufactured outside the United States, banning their sale as new products in the U.S. market.

    First reported: 24.03.2026 22:41
    1 source, 1 article
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  • The decision is based on a March 20 National Security Determination by an interagency body assessing foreign-made routers as posing unacceptable supply-chain risks to U.S. national security, economy, and critical infrastructure.

    First reported: 24.03.2026 22:41
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Regulatory approval now requires foreign manufacturers to disclose corporate ownership, supply-chain details, IP ownership, manufacturing locations, software/firmware origins, and a plan to onshore critical component manufacturing.

    First reported: 24.03.2026 22:41
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Exemptions apply only to Department of War or Department of Homeland Security drone systems, with no blanket exclusion for foreign-made consumer routers seeking U.S. market entry.

    First reported: 24.03.2026 22:41
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Existing U.S. consumer routers remain unaffected; new model availability may be reduced due to added compliance costs, delays, or manufacturers exiting the market.

    First reported: 24.03.2026 22:41
    1 source, 1 article
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  • The FCC allows software and firmware updates for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and critical components until at least January 1, 2027, despite the new restrictions.

    First reported: 24.03.2026 22:41
    1 source, 1 article
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