The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a new decision banning the import of routers manufactured outside the United States, against the backdrop of growing concerns related to cybersecurity and infrastructure safety.
The authority explained in its statement that foreign devices represent a potential loophole in supply chains, which could lead to the disruption of the economy, vital infrastructure, and even defense systems. It also indicated that it constitutes a major security risk that can be exploited to cause direct damage.
Currently, most US brand networking devices are manufactured overseas, or in countries like Mexico, where companies like Cisco, Netgear, and Arris/Motorola have production lines there. Even some Chinese companies such as TP-Link produce devices for the US market in Mexico, while Starlink remains among the few that manufacture within the United States.
Under the new decision, it is prohibited to sell any routers manufactured abroad in the American market, and new models must pass strict approval procedures before being allowed to enter. However, existing users can continue to use their devices, even though they are now classified as potential risks.
This decision comes after a similar move at the end of 2025, when the United States banned foreign drones for the same reasons.
