It has been announced that a significant regulatory action is scheduled to be taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on May 22, during which a vote is expected to be held to finalize a rule aimed at enhancing national security measures by limiting foreign influence in the testing of electronic devices. Specifically, the new regulation is designed to prohibit laboratories based in China, particularly those perceived to be under the control of entities deemed a threat to the United States, from conducting safety and compliance tests on electronics destined for the American market.
According to statements made by FCC leadership, the measure is being positioned as an effort to close existing vulnerabilities in the equipment authorization process. All electronic devices intended for use within the United States are required to undergo this process prior to importation or distribution, ensuring compliance with technical and safety standards. It was noted that up until now, a significant portion—estimated at approximately 75%—of this testing had been performed by laboratories operating within China. This reliance has increasingly been viewed as a potential loophole in national security enforcement, particularly given concerns about state influence over private companies in adversarial nations.
The Chair of the FCC, Brendan Carr, explained in an interview that the new measure was intended to reinforce the trustworthiness of the testing process by restricting participation to only those labs that are deemed independent and secure. It was suggested that if a lab suspected of having affiliations with companies such as Huawei or ZTE had been tasked with certifying electronic products for U.S. use, the integrity of the process could be undermined. Both Huawei and ZTE had previously been subject to a ban in November 2022, when the FCC prohibited the authorization of new telecommunications equipment manufactured by those firms. Additional restrictions had been imposed on telecom and surveillance equipment produced by Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision, and Zhejiang Dahua Technology—all of which had been included on the FCC’s “Covered List” of entities identified as national security risks.
Under the new rule, laboratories located in China that are found to be operating under the direction or influence of any entity included on that list will be barred from testing electronics for the U.S. market. If any such affiliations are uncovered, recognition by the FCC will be revoked, thereby invalidating those labs’ authority to conduct the required certifications.
In addition to finalizing this rule, the FCC is also reportedly seeking public input on the possibility of extending the prohibition beyond only those labs affiliated with listed entities. A broader restriction that could encompass all testing laboratories located in adversarial countries, including China, is being contemplated. Comments are being invited regarding the feasibility of such a ban and on strategies that might incentivize the construction and expansion of domestic testing facilities, with the goal of reducing U.S. dependence on foreign infrastructure in this critical area.
Moreover, the FCC is also moving to consider another rule that would demand greater transparency from companies that maintain significant connections to foreign adversaries. A proposal has been advanced that, if adopted, would require such entities to disclose every license and authorization held under FCC jurisdiction. These disclosures would cover a wide array of regulatory approvals, including those related to broadcasting, equipment certifications, and submarine cable operations. The intention behind this measure is to build a comprehensive database that allows for better monitoring of foreign influence in U.S. telecommunications and technology systems.
While representatives of the companies potentially affected by the forthcoming rules have not publicly responded to the developments, the regulatory actions are being seen as part of a broader effort by U.S. agencies to strengthen the security and resilience of domestic digital infrastructure. The policy direction reflects a continuation of previous decisions aimed at countering foreign surveillance risks and limiting technological dependencies on nations viewed as strategic rivals.
As the vote approaches, observers are anticipating significant changes in how global electronics manufacturers will need to navigate the U.S. market. With Chinese labs potentially barred from conducting key safety tests, and with increased regulatory scrutiny looming over firms with foreign affiliations, manufacturers may soon be required to seek out alternative partners or invest in domestic compliance resources to meet the evolving standards. The decision, once finalized, is expected to reshape longstanding global testing arrangements and add a new layer of security-driven regulation to the already complex global electronics supply chain.
