Department of War Grants New Conditional Exemptions
On October 2, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released Public Notice DA 26-1063 across dockets WC Docket No. 18-89, ET Docket No. 21-232, and EA Docket No. 21-233. The notice announces that the Department of War (DoW) has granted Conditional Approvals for certain foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), routers, and advanced robotic devices.
Under Section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 and sections 1.50002(a) and 1.50003 of the Commission's rules, equipment included on the Covered List is determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the safety of U.S. persons. The grant of Conditional Approval constitutes a specific determination by DoW that the covered devices do not pose such risks, requiring PSHSB to update the Covered List to reflect their exemption.
Newly Approved Devices and Product Classes
Based on the evaluations and determinations issued by DoW, PSHSB has added the following devices to its list of equipment granted Conditional Approval and exempted from the Covered List prohibitions:
- Dronus S.p.A.: K500L Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and its associated K500L docking station (Nest V2).
- Vivid-Hosting, LLC: Entire product class of routers, including its VH-109 (V1) and VH-109 (V2) robot radio routers (terminating March 28, 2028).
- Matic Robots, Inc.: Robotic Floor Cleaner Model 4MA0001 and Charging Dock Model 4DK0008.
Compliance Conditions and Onshoring Requirements
Consistent with Executive Branch National Security Determinations, exemptions from the FCC Covered List remain contingent upon ongoing compliance with specific commitments made by manufacturers during the application process.
Conditional Approvals require companies to adhere to the onshoring plans submitted in their applications and, for Dronus and Matic Robots, to submit to updated vetting of their products. Conditional approvals for UAS or advanced robotic devices lacking explicit expiration dates will remain effective indefinitely so long as onshoring and vetting conditions are met. However, failure to comply with approved onshoring schedules or the discovery of false statements or misrepresentations in an application will result in termination of the Conditional Approval and the reinstatement of the hardware onto the Covered List.
Covered List History and Staff Guidance
The PSHSB originally added all foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components to the Covered List on December 22, 2025 (DA 25-1086), followed by foreign-produced routers on March 23, 2026 (DA 26-278), and foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotic devices on July 28, 2026 (DA 26-786).
FCC staff continues to provide guidance to Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs), test labs, and equipment authorization applicants pursuant to sections 0.191 and 0.31(i) of the Commission's rules regarding how these Covered List updates impact equipment authorizations.