Bureau Announces New Covered List Exemptions
On June 4, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released a Public Notice (DA 26-548) announcing that the Department of War (DoW) granted Conditional Approvals for certain foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and routers.
Pursuant to 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 covered by these determinations is excluded from the FCC's Covered List for the duration of their respective approval windows. The proceedings are tracked under WC Docket No. 18-89, ET Docket No. 21-232, and EA Docket No. 21-233.
Newly Approved Devices and Exemption Terms
Following evaluation under the Executive Branch interagency national security determination review framework, DoW issued specific determinations that the following hardware models do not pose unacceptable security risks:
As a result of these determinations, the Bureau updated its public list to exclude the specified equipment from Covered List prohibitions for the designated operational periods.
- Innovation First International, Inc.: VEX AIR Uncrewed Aircraft System (valid June 4, 2026 through December 31, 2026)
- Sagemcom USA, LLC: FAST3994, FAST3897, FAST5698, FAST5699, and FAST5999 routers (valid June 4, 2026 through December 5, 2027)
Regulatory Background and Equipment Authorizations
Foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components were originally added to the Covered List on December 22, 2025 (DA 25-1086), with subsequent exemptions applied to DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List models, Buy American Standard domestic end products, and devices granted conditional approvals. Foreign-produced routers were subsequently added to the Covered List on March 23, 2026 (DA 26-278), barring those with active Conditional Approvals from DoW or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Entities identified on the Covered List—including their subsidiaries and affiliates—remain subject to Commission prohibitions, such as restrictions on obtaining FCC equipment authorizations. Commission staff will continue providing guidance to Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs), test labs, and equipment authorization applicants regarding the operational effect of these Covered List updates.