The Federal Communications Commission has decided to ban testing of electronic devices intended for the US market in Chinese laboratories.
Devices sold in the US must pass FCC certification to meet requirements such as radio emissions and network compatibility.
A large portion of this testing is currently conducted in Chinese labs, often located within manufacturers’ research and development centers. According to the FCC, around 75% of US-bound devices rely on testing results from these facilities.
The decision follows ongoing US concerns about China being a potential security threat.
As a result, the FCC has moved forward with the ban, which will now enter a 30 to 60-day public comment period for industry participants and consumers. The regulator may revise the proposal after reviewing feedback.
The FCC has also proposed banning testing in countries that do not have a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the US.
These agreements allow countries to accept each other’s testing results. China does not have such an agreement with the US.
If implemented, the rule is not expected to affect devices that have already been certified. Products will be allowed to remain on the market for up to two years before requiring re-certification.
Older devices, including models from Apple, Google, and Samsung, are likely to be phased out rather than re-certified.
Future smartphones may need to be shipped from China to other countries for testing in FCC-approved labs before entering the US market.
This process is expected to increase costs and extend timelines for manufacturers.
Despite these challenges, the changes are likely to become part of the certification process moving forward.
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