FCC Bans Sale of New Foreign-Made Wi-Fi Routers Citing National Security

In a major policy shift aimed at strengthening national security, the Federal Communications Commission has announced a ban on the sale of new Wi-Fi routers that are manufactured, designed, or developed outside the United States. The move follows a determination by the White House that foreign-made networking equipment could pose significant risks to critical infrastructure and consumer data.

FCC Expands “Covered List” to Include Foreign Routers

National Security Drives Decision

The Federal Communications Commission updated its “covered list,” a regulatory blacklist of telecom equipment considered a threat to US security.

The order now includes:
“all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries.”

Concerns Over Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Authorities argue that foreign-manufactured routers may introduce exploitable weaknesses that hackers and cyber-espionage groups could use.

What the Ban Means for Consumers

No Impact on Existing Devices

The FCC clarified that the order does not affect routers already in use.

The commission stated:
“This action does not affect any previously purchased consumer-grade routers. Consumers can continue to use any router they have already lawfully purchased or acquired.”

Existing Inventory Still Allowed

Retailers can continue selling previously approved devices.

The FCC added:
“Nor does it prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market router models approved previously through the FCC’s equipment authorization process,”

New Models Face Strict Restrictions

Ban on Future Foreign-Made Devices

The policy effectively blocks the sale of any new routers manufactured or designed outside the US.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated:
"This action means that new models of foreign-produced routers will no longer be eligible for marketing or sale in the US,"

Equipment Authorization Rule

The FCC explained:
“New devices on the Covered List, such as foreign-made consumer-grade routers, are prohibited from receiving FCC authorization and are therefore prohibited from being imported for use or sale in the US,"

Security Concerns and Cyber Threats

Government’s Rationale

The policy stems from concerns raised by the Trump administration.

The official document stated:
“Routers in the United States must have trusted supply chains so we are not providing foreign actors with potential built-in backdoors to American homes, businesses, critical infrastructure, and emergency services.”

Links to Cyberattacks

The FCC cited previous cyber incidents involving router vulnerabilities, including:

• Volt Typhoon
• Flax Typhoon
• Salt Typhoon

These attacks allegedly targeted critical US infrastructure.

Industry-Wide Impact

Global Supply Chains Under Pressure

The decision is expected to disrupt the global router market, as most devices are manufactured in countries like China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

Affected Companies

Even US-based firms such as Netgear could be impacted due to overseas production.

Industry Reactions

Netgear Supports the Move

Netgear welcomed the decision, stating:
"We commend the Administration and the FCC for their action toward a safer digital future for Americans. Home routers and mesh systems are critical to national security and consumer protection, and today’s decision is a step forward. As a US-founded and headquartered company with a legacy of American innovation, Netgear has long invested in security-first design, transparent practices, and adherence to government regulations, and we will continue to do so."

TP-Link Raises Concerns

TP-Link responded by highlighting global manufacturing realities:
"virtually all routers are made outside the United States, including those produced by US-based companies like TP-Link, which manufactures its products in Vietnam. It appears that the entire router industry will be impacted by the FCC’s announcement concerning new devices not previously authorized by the FCC. TP-Link is confident in the security of our supply chain and we welcome this evaluation of the entire industry."

Exemptions and Compliance Pathways

Conditional Approvals Possible

Router manufacturers can apply for exemptions from:

• The US Department of Defense
• The Department of Homeland Security

Requirements for Approval

Companies must:

• Justify overseas manufacturing
• Provide a timeline to shift production to the US

Broader Implications for Tech Policy

Push for Domestic Manufacturing

The move aligns with broader US efforts to localise critical technology production.

Precedent for Other Sectors

The FCC has taken similar actions previously, including restrictions on foreign-made drones, signalling a wider regulatory trend.

Conclusion

The FCC’s decision to ban new foreign-made Wi-Fi routers marks a significant escalation in the US government’s efforts to secure its digital infrastructure. While the move aims to reduce cybersecurity risks and strengthen domestic manufacturing, it also poses major challenges for global supply chains and technology companies. With most networking hardware currently produced outside the US, the policy could reshape the industry and accelerate localisation efforts. As companies adapt to new compliance requirements, the long-term impact will likely extend beyond routers, influencing broader technology regulation and international trade dynamics.