Executive Branch Determination and Covered List Addition
On March 23, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its Covered List to include all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries. This action follows a determination made by a White House-convened Executive Branch interagency body with national security expertise, which found that foreign-produced consumer routers pose unacceptable risks to national security and the safety of U.S. persons.
The Executive Branch determination cited two primary national security concerns: foreign-produced routers introduce supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt the economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense; and they pose severe cybersecurity risks that could be used to disrupt infrastructure and harm U.S. persons. The FCC noted that malicious actors have exploited vulnerabilities in foreign-made routers to attack households, enable espionage, steal intellectual property, and execute cyberattacks including the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon campaigns targeting vital infrastructure.
Impact on Equipment Authorization and Consumer Use
Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, equipment added to the Covered List is barred from receiving FCC equipment authorization. Because most electronic devices, including consumer-grade routers, must secure FCC authorization prior to importation, marketing, or sale in the United States, the Covered List update effectively prevents new foreign-made models from entering the domestic market.
The FCC clarified that the updated restrictions apply specifically to new device models seeking authorization and do not disrupt existing market operations or consumer equipment.
- Consumers can continue lawfully using any previously acquired consumer routers.
- Retailers may continue importing, marketing, and selling router models that were already approved under prior FCC equipment authorizations.
- New foreign-made consumer router models that have not been authorized are prohibited from receiving FCC approval and cannot be imported or sold.
Conditional Approval Process and Exemption Pathway
The national security determination provides an exemption pathway for manufacturers. Consumer routers may continue to receive FCC equipment authorization if granted a 'Conditional Approval' by the Department of War (DoW) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) upon a finding that the devices do not pose unacceptable risks.
Manufacturers and producers of consumer-grade routers seeking exemption guidance are directed to apply for Conditional Approval by submitting documentation to conditional-approvals@fcc.gov.