FCC Blocks New Foreign-Made Routers Over Security Concerns
FCC bars new consumer routers made abroad unless the DoD or DHS grants exemptions; existing models stay approved and firmware updates continue through March 1, 2027.
CNETIs Your Wi-Fi Router Safe From the FCC Ban? Nearly Every Major Brand Is Impacted
New York PostFCC targets routers in sweeping foreign tech crackdown that could impact TP-Link, Netgear
ARS TechnicaFCC imposes sweeping ban on foreign-made routers, affecting all new models
WiredWhy Has the US Banned Foreign-Made Routers?
Overview
The Federal Communications Commission updated its "Covered List" to include all consumer-grade routers produced outside the United States, barring approval of new models unless cleared by federal agencies, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said.
The FCC said it acted after a national security determination from an interagency group and cited the Volt, Flax and Salt Typhoon cyberattacks targeting U.S. infrastructure between 2024 and 2025.
Manufacturers may seek conditional approval and company representatives for Netgear and TP-Link issued statements commending or adapting to the action, while no Conditional Approvals have been posted on the FCC's website.
The FCC defines foreign production to include any major stage of design, development, assembly or manufacturing, a definition that will affect nearly every major retail router brand.
Producers seeking exemptions must justify why devices are not manufactured in the United States and submit a detailed, time-bound plan to establish or expand U.S. manufacturing, and exemptions require Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security determinations.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the FCC action as sweeping and disruptive by using loaded terms ("bombshell," "monumental," "crosshairs") and strategic emphasis on consumer risk and industry scramble. Editorial choices prioritize consumer guidance and critical expert commentary (e.g., EFF technologist) while presenting official statements as source content; notable omissions include independent cybersecurity or supply‑chain experts.
FAQ
The FCC acted after a national security determination following the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon cyberattacks that targeted U.S. infrastructure between 2024 and 2025.[1]
The FCC issued a blanket waiver on March 23, 2026, allowing software and firmware updates to previously authorized covered routers for security patches and functionality improvements, with the waiver remaining in place at least until March 1, 2027.[1]
Manufacturers can seek Conditional Approval from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Department of War (DoW) to be exempt from the Covered List. To qualify, producers must justify why devices are not manufactured in the United States and submit a detailed, time-bound plan to establish or expand U.S. manufacturing.[1]
The FCC's foreign production definition includes any major stage of design, development, assembly, or manufacturing, which affects nearly every major retail router brand.[1]
No Conditional Approvals have been issued yet, though the national security determination encourages affected parties to seek them and suggests that categorical exemptions similar to those for drones may be forthcoming.[1]
