Bureau Announces Extended Exemptions for UAS Equipment
On July 21, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released a Public Notice (DA 26-761) announcing updates to the list of equipment and services covered by Section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (Covered List). The notice implements a newly received National Security Determination regarding uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components.
Under the updated framework, the FCC has extended exemptions from the Covered List for specific categories of UAS and critical components until January 1, 2028, and eliminated the previous December 31, 2026 expiration date for foreign-produced UAS conditional approvals, tying validity instead to ongoing applicant compliance with required onshoring plans.
- WC Docket No. 18-89: Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs
- ET Docket No. 21-232: Equipment Authorization National Security Proceeding
- EA Docket No. 21-233: Covered List Equipment Authorization Compliance
National Security Determination from Department of War
The regulatory update follows a July 21, 2026 National Security Determination from the Department of War (DoW). The DoW determined that certain UAS and critical components do not pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security or the safety of U.S. persons, superseding a previous determination issued on January 7, 2026.
The new determination establishes that foreign-produced UAS and critical components granted Conditional Approvals will remain exempt from the Covered List indefinitely, rather than expiring at the end of 2026, provided that manufacturers abide by their submitted onshoring plans and satisfy updated vetting requirements. If an applicant fails to adhere to its onshoring commitments or makes a false statement or misrepresentation, the Conditional Approval will terminate and the equipment will be restored to the Covered List.
- UAS and UAS critical components on the Defense Contract Management Agency's (DCMA) Blue UAS Cleared List remain exempt until January 1, 2028.
- UAS and UAS critical components qualifying as 'domestic end products' under the Buy American Standard (48 CFR § 25.101(a)) remain exempt until January 1, 2028.
- Conditional Approvals for foreign-produced UAS devices remain valid without a fixed termination date as long as onshoring and vetting conditions are met.
Covered List Categories and Regulatory Context
Pursuant to 47 CFR §§ 1.50002(a) and 1.50003, PSHSB is obligated to publish and maintain the Covered List and monitor the status of binding determinations from designated executive branch agencies. UAS and critical components produced abroad were originally added to the Covered List on December 22, 2025 (DA 25-1086), subject to exemptions for cleared or approved systems.
The Covered List also continues to cover foreign-produced routers, communications and video surveillance equipment listed under Section 1709(a)(1) of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act, and telecommunications and video surveillance equipment and services from designated entities including Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, Dahua Technology Company, AO Kaspersky Lab, China Mobile International USA Inc., China Telecom (Americas) Corp., Pacific Networks Corp., ComNet (USA) LLC, China Unicom (Americas) Operations Limited, and Digitalsystem Technology Inc.
- Commission staff will continue providing guidance to Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs), test labs, and equipment authorization applicants pursuant to 47 CFR §§ 0.191 and 0.31(i).
- Inquiries regarding the Public Notice may be directed to Chris Smeenk, Attorney Advisor, Operations and Emergency Management Division, PSHSB, at (202) 418-1630 or Chris.Smeenk@fcc.gov.