US bans foreign-made WiFi routers citing national security concerns

The United States has moved to block the approval of new foreign-manufactured consumer WiFi routers, citing risks to national security and critical infrastructure.

The decision, announced by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), follows a security determination by federal agencies that such devices pose “unacceptable risks” to the country.

According to an official FCC fact sheet released on March 23, the regulator has added all foreign-produced consumer-grade routers to its Covered List, which identifies communications equipment considered a threat to US national security or public safety.
Under existing rules, devices on this list cannot receive FCC equipment authorisation, meaning new models cannot be imported, marketed or sold in the United States. However, the agency clarified that the measure only applies to newly approved devices and does not affect routers already authorised.

“This action does not affect any previously-purchased consumer-grade routers. Consumers can continue to use any router they have already lawfully purchased or acquired,” the FCC said in its statement.

The move follows a determination by an executive branch interagency body convened by the White House, which concluded that foreign-produced routers introduce supply chain vulnerabilities and represent “a severe cybersecurity risk that could be leveraged to immediately and severely disrupt US critical infrastructure.”

Security concerns and cyberattack risks

The FCC noted that vulnerabilities in overseas-made routers have previously been exploited by malicious actors. According to the agency, these devices have been used to target households, disrupt networks, conduct espionage and facilitate intellectual property theft.

The determination also linked foreign-made routers to several cyber incidents affecting critical infrastructure, including the Volt, Flax and Salt Typhoon attacks.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency’s action was aligned with broader national security priorities. “I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign-produced routers, which were found to pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC’s Covered List,” he said in a statement.

“Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will continue do our part in making sure that US cyberspace, critical infrastructure, and supply chains are safe and secure,” he added.

Impact on manufacturers and market

Chinese manufacturers currently account for an estimated 60% of the US home router market, making the measure significant for global electronics suppliers, as per news agency Reuters.

The order allows exemptions for devices granted “Conditional Approval” by the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security after a security review. Manufacturers can apply for such approval through the FCC.

The latest step forms part of a broader US effort to tighten restrictions on foreign technology used in communications networks and critical infrastructure.