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The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to block Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices intended for the American market. The decision expands Washington’s restrictions on Chinese technology and raises questions about how manufacturers will manage product testing and certification in the coming years.
The restrictions will also cover testing facilities and certification bodies in countries that do not provide reciprocal treatment to US-based laboratories. The new rules are scheduled to take effect in December 2028, giving manufacturers and testing companies time to adjust their operations.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said foreign testing laboratories can access sensitive product information before devices reach the market. According to the agency, this access could create risks involving insecure equipment, communications networks and intellectual property.
The FCC’s decision covers products such as smartphones, cameras and computers that require testing before they can be sold in the United States. China’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
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Carr said around 82% of electronics were tested in China in 2025, while only about 4% were tested in laboratories within the United States. The figures highlight how heavily the electronics industry depends on overseas testing facilities.
In 2025, the FCC had already barred laboratories owned or controlled by the Chinese government from testing electronics for the US market. The latest vote extends those restrictions beyond government-linked facilities. The agency is also streamlining approval procedures for devices tested in US laboratories or facilities in countries it considers to pose lower national security risks.
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The decision adds to a wider series of US measures targeting Chinese technology and equipment. Washington has restricted new models of Chinese drones and consumer routers, while also limiting equipment from companies including Huawei and ZTE over national security concerns.
For electronics manufacturers, the new rules could require changes to testing arrangements and supply-chain planning before the December 2028 deadline. The FCC has framed the move as a security measure and a push for reciprocal treatment of US laboratories. However, the practical impact will depend on how manufacturers and testing providers respond to the new requirements.