FCC Implements Geographic Restrictions on Equipment Testing, Bans Chinese Labs by December 2028
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules, FCC 26-73, which will prohibit the recognition of equipment testing laboratories located in mainland China and other "non-Reciprocal Economies" starting December 1, 2028. This decision, made at the Commission's October 2026 meeting, requires equipment manufacturers to find alternative testing facilities for FCC certification. The restrictions apply to all testing supporting FCC equipment authorizations, irrespective of whether the products are on the FCC's Covered List. The order clarifies that equipment tested and authorized before the December 1, 2028 deadline will remain certified and can continue to be imported, marketed, sold, operated, and modified in the United States without requiring retesting. The new rules also prevent recognized Test Labs, Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs), and laboratory accreditation bodies from conducting covered activities in non-Reciprocal Economies, even if they maintain headquarters in a Reci...
