FCC to Vote on Ban of Chinese Electronics Labs

The Federal Communications Commission announced it will vote on October 29 to prohibit all Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, and cameras, for use in the United States. The proposed ban targets countries that deny reciprocal treatment to U.S.-based test labs and is scheduled to take effect in December 2028.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that in 2025, 82% of electronics were tested in China, while less than 4% were tested within the U.S. This action expands a 2025 ban that specifically targeted labs owned or controlled by the Chinese government. To offset the restriction, the agency is implementing a streamlined approval process for devices tested in the U.S. or in countries that do not pose national security risks.

This move follows previous FCC restrictions on Chinese-made drones, consumer routers, and telecommunications equipment from firms such as Huawei and ZTE.