FCC Rules on Test Lab Recognition and Reciprocity
On October 27, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission announced a scheduled vote on final rules that alter the regulatory regime governing the testing and certification of electronic devices used by consumers in the United States.
Under the final rules, the FCC will limit its recognition of device test laboratories to those operating within the United States or in nations that grant reciprocal recognition to U.S. test laboratories.
Industry and Policy Stakeholder Reactions
A wide range of industry representatives, testing organizations, and policy institutes issued statements regarding the Commission's pending order and its impact on equipment authorization, supply chains, and domestic testing capacity.
- American Compass: Chief Economist Oren Cass stated that the FCC's action addresses reliance on China for testing electronics destined for the U.S. market and will improve domestic research, development, and production of communications technology.
- America First Policy Institute: Senior Director Piero Tozzi highlighted concerns regarding foreign intelligence laws that can compel firms to disclose nonpublic technical data and trade secrets prior to market entry.
- Bull Moose Project: President Aiden Buzetti supported Chairman Carr's focus on reciprocity, noting that fewer than 4% of electronics are currently tested on American soil.
- Compliance Testing LLC: CEO Michael Schafer noted that the order safeguards electronics via trusted domestic test labs and referenced actions taken against their Shenzhen entity by the China Ministry of Commerce.
- Digital First Project: Executive Director Nathan Leamer stated that requiring testing to occur in the U.S. or reciprocal countries will enhance network integrity and rebuild domestic testing capacity.
- Digital Progress Institute: President Joel Thayer stated the rules will halt one-way market access where Chinese labs certified U.S. equipment without reciprocal rights for U.S. labs.
- Element Materials Technology: Randy J. Ortanez, VP of Cellular and Wireless Testing, welcomed the focus on integrity, security, technical competence, and reciprocity within the global conformity framework.
- Exiger: Kit Conklin, Chief Strategy & Global Affairs Officer, stated the measure helps protect technology supply chains and reduces national security risks.
- Foundation for American Innovation: Josh Levine, Director of Tech and Statecraft, remarked that the order ends reliance on adversary-controlled infrastructure in testing.
- Foundation for Defense of Democracies: Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery and Senior Director Craig Singleton emphasized that ending recognition for non-reciprocal foreign labs strengthens the gatekeeping role for technology supply chains.
- International Center for Law and Economics: Kristian Stout, Director of Innovation Policy, stated that the FCC lacks direct enforcement authority over labs in non-reciprocal jurisdictions, making reciprocal agreements vital for regulatory compliance.
- Meter: Regulatory representative Saied Haddad stated that establishing strict testing and certification authority standards will increase product integrity.
- National Security Institute: Senior Fellow Andy Keiser stated that in 2025, fewer than four percent of devices seeking FCC authorization were tested in U.S. labs, making reciprocity essential for network security.
- New American Industrial Alliance: Emphasized that recognizing only domestic or reciprocal foreign labs will return testing jobs to the United States.
- Telecommunications Industry Association: Senior Director Colin Andrews supported the order and noted the adoption of a two-year transition period alongside ongoing monitoring of testing capacity.