USA closes off market: new foreign routers banned

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), together with relevant federal agencies, is stepping up oversight of the market for foreign-made networking equipment. New routers manufactured outside the country have been deemed a potential threat to national security, and authorities plan to add them to the Covered List. This was reported by Engadget, noting that the measures specifically target upcoming models that have not yet hit the market.

Already purchased devices are not affected

The new measures do not apply to equipment already in use. Owners of previously purchased routers will be able to continue using them without restrictions. The functionality of these devices remains unchanged.

Retailers also retain the right to sell equipment certified under previous rules. Additionally, devices added to the Covered List will continue to receive updates at least until March 1, 2027, which helps mitigate the impact of the new regulations on users.

What inclusion in the Covered List means

The Covered List is a registry of telecommunications equipment that US authorities consider unacceptable from a security standpoint. Being included in this list significantly complicates market access for products and may limit their distribution.

Expanding the list to include new router models reflects heightened oversight of the communication infrastructure and the supply of technological equipment.

Manufacturers are encouraged to shift production

Companies still have the opportunity to maintain access to the US market, but additional conditions must be met. In particular, manufacturers can apply for approval through the US Department of Defense or the US Department of Homeland Security.

One key requirement is the submission of a plan for partially relocating production to the United States. In this way, authorities aim to encourage domestic manufacturing.

The decision is linked to the new National Security Strategy

The new restrictions are based on the US National Security Strategy published in 2025. The document emphasizes the need to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers in critically important sectors.

Special attention is given to technologies that are essential for the stability of the economy and the defense sector, where control over supply chains is regarded as a strategic priority.

Restrictions affect almost the entire market

The new rules impact a broad range of networking equipment manufacturers. Even US-registered companies such as Netgear, Eero, and Google Nest have production facilities located in Asian countries. In addition, the restrictions also apply to Chinese brands, including TP-Link, further extending the measures’ impact across the industry.

Potential disputes and delays with new devices

Experts anticipate that the new requirements could trigger legal disputes between authorities and manufacturers. Companies are likely to seek ways to challenge the restrictions or adapt to the new conditions.

Delays in the release of new models are also possible. This is due to the fact that a significant portion of production is based outside the US, and altering supply chains and relocating manufacturing capacities requires time.