FCC Prohibits Foreign Routers Over Security Concerns, Echoing DJI Grounding Measures
FCC Bans Foreign-Made Consumer Wireless Routers
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on March 23, 2026, a ban on the import of all new foreign-made consumer wireless routers. This decision follows a determination by a White House-convened interagency panel, which concluded that these devices pose a significant cybersecurity risk that could disrupt U.S. critical infrastructure. The routers have now been added to the FCC’s Covered List, a designation that prohibits the authorization of new models. This action comes on the heels of the FCC’s December 2025 ban on foreign-made drones.
Impact of the Router Ban
The new rule affects all consumer-grade routers produced outside the United States, which includes major brands such as Netgear, Linksys, Asus, D-Link, and TP-Link. Currently, no major consumer router is manufactured domestically, making the potential market disruption significantly larger than the previous drone ban, which had some domestic alternatives to absorb demand.
While existing router models that have already received FCC authorization can still be imported and sold, any new models will require Conditional Approval from either the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security. This process mirrors the exemption pathway established for drones, which has only cleared a few non-Chinese drone systems while leaving major brands like DJI blocked.
Cybersecurity Concerns
The FCC cited the Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon hacking campaigns as evidence of the real threats posed by foreign-made routers. These operations, attributed to Chinese state actors, involved hijacking routers to create botnets that penetrated U.S. critical infrastructure. The FBI disrupted the Volt Typhoon operation in January 2024, but the vulnerabilities remain. Salt Typhoon was even more invasive, breaching major U.S. telecommunications carriers and remaining undetected for over 18 months.
Regulatory Process and Manufacturing Policy
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr expressed support for the router ban, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to securing U.S. cyberspace and critical infrastructure. However, the process leading to this ban has raised questions. The FCC did not conduct the mandated security audit before implementing the drone ban, and there is no indication that a different process was followed for the router ban. The Conditional Approval pathway requires companies to commit to establishing or expanding U.S. manufacturing, which some critics argue is more about industrial policy than security.
Future Implications
The FCC’s Covered List has expanded beyond drones and routers. In 2022, the agency banned new authorizations for security cameras from Chinese manufacturers Hikvision and Dahua. The trend suggests that other consumer electronics, including smart home devices and connected appliances, could be next on the regulatory agenda. The FCC has already indicated interest in examining modular transmitters and component parts, which could lead to broader bans affecting a wide range of connected devices.
Conclusion
The FCC’s actions reflect ongoing concerns about cybersecurity risks associated with foreign-made technology. While the router ban aims to address these risks, it also highlights the intersection of national security and industrial policy. As the regulatory landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how these measures will impact the availability of consumer electronics in the U.S. market.