The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the sale and use of all new foreign-made internet routers in the country, effective immediately. The FCC states that foreign-made routers introduce “a supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt the U.S. economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense” and “pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States”.

All new consumer-grade routers produced in a foreign country are now placed on the FCC’s Covered Equipment list, which means their radios won’t be authorized to work on US territory. This development does not affect existing routers, which can still be used, and retailers are still allowed to sell FCC-approved devices.

The FCC enacted a similar ban for foreign-made drones back in December, and just like that ban, the one for routers will have a loophole. The Department of War (DoW) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have the power to approve routers pending investigation to ensure that the devices don’t pose security risks. Router makers can apply for conditional approval for their upcoming products, but they will have to commit to establishing manufacturing capacities on US soil.

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