The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted unanimously on Oct. 29 to bar Chinese laboratories from testing electronics for U.S. regulatory approval, citing security concerns and difficulties overseeing foreign testing facilities.
The 3–0 decision will end FCC recognition of laboratories and certification bodies in countries that lack reciprocal testing agreements with the United States, including China.
The restrictions will take full effect on Dec. 1, 2028.
Before smartphones, wireless routers, computers, and other electronic devices can enter the U.S. market, they must be certified.
Manufacturers must demonstrate that covered devices meet FCC technical requirements, including limits designed to prevent harmful radio interference.
China dominates that testing process. According to figures presented at Thursday’s meeting, Chinese laboratories were associated with 82.3 percent of FCC equipment-authorization applications in 2025, up from about 13 percent in 2007….