FCC adds foreign-made consumer routers to Covered List

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2026 — The Federal Communications Commission said Monday it has updated its Covered List to include all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries, a move that bars new models from obtaining FCC equipment authorization for importation, marketing or sale in the United States.

The agency said the action followed a determination by a White House-convened executive branch interagency body that such routers pose “unacceptable risks” to U.S. national security and the safety of U.S. persons. According to the FCC fact sheet, the determination found foreign-produced routers create supply chain vulnerabilities and severe cybersecurity risks that could disrupt critical infrastructure, the economy and national defense.

The FCC said the decision does not affect routers already purchased by consumers, nor does it block the continued sale, import or marketing of existing router models that were previously approved through the agency’s equipment authorization process. The restrictions apply to new device models.

The fact sheet also said routers granted “Conditional Approval” by the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security would be exempt. Manufacturers are being encouraged to apply for that approval through FCC guidance tied to the executive branch determination.

Chairman Brendan Carr said the FCC was acting in line with the administration’s national security priorities and would continue efforts to protect U.S. cyberspace, critical infrastructure and supply chains. The FCC noted that equipment placed on the Covered List is prohibited from receiving new FCC authorizations, effectively shutting new covered products out of the U.S. market.