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FCC Bans Foreign Routers: What You Need to Know
25 Mar
Summary
- FCC added foreign-made consumer routers to national security blacklist.
- Sale of new foreign-made WiFi routers is now effectively banned.
- Previously approved routers can still be sold and operated.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added all foreign-manufactured consumer routers to its Covered List, effectively banning the sale of new devices deemed a national security threat as of March 25, 2026. This decision impacts virtually all consumer routers, as most are produced overseas. The FCC cites supply chain vulnerabilities and exploitation in past cyberattacks, such as the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon attacks, as reasons for the ban.
Despite the ban on new models, previously approved routers can continue to be operated and sold, and retailers may sell existing inventory. Consumers who already own these devices are not required to replace them. The FCC has granted a waiver allowing these existing routers to receive software and firmware updates until March 1, 2027, after which the situation will be reassessed.
A narrow exemption exists through a "Conditional Approval" pathway, requiring manufacturers to disclose extensive corporate and manufacturing details and present a plan to move production to the U.S. These approvals are temporary, lasting no more than 18 months, and involve strict reporting. This pathway offers a limited opportunity for manufacturers to seek an individual exemption if they can prove their products do not pose unacceptable risks.
