The FCC came out with a decision to ban all testing of electronic devices meant for the US market in Chinese labs. For instance, a device destined for the US market has to pass certain FCC certifications that ensure things like radio emissions and network compatibility are in check. Much of this is done in Chinese labs at the respective manufacturers’ R&D centers, and according to the FCC, about 75% of all US devices rely on the testing results from Chinese labs.
However as the US has deemed China a security threat for some time now, so this move might not come as a surprise for some. Since the FCC has already decided on the ban, a 30-60-day period of public comments by the industry and consumers will follow. The FCC is also allowed to make changes to the ban.
Additionally, the FCC made another separate proposal – to ban the testing of US devices in all countries that don’t have an Mutual Recognition Agreement that allows countries to recognize the results of each other’s testing labs. Of course, China and the US don’t have an MRA.
If the proposal is accepted, it likely won’t affect devices that have already been certified. Devices will be allowed on the US market for two years before having to be re-certified. This means older iPhones, Pixels and Galaxy devices are unlikely to need recertification as they will simply be taken off the shelves.
Future smartphones will need to be shipped from China to another country where the FCC will approve the certification testing before reaching US shores. This will prove to be costly and time-consuming, but by the looks of it, it is necessary going forward.