The Federal Communications Commission has expanded its Covered List to include all consumer-grade routers manufactured in foreign countries, effectively barring new models of such devices from entering the United States market. The decision, announced Monday, follows a national security determination made by a White House-convened interagency body that concluded foreign-produced routers present unacceptable risks to both national security and the safety of American citizens.
The move marks a significant shift in how the U.S. government regulates home networking equipment — devices that have become essential infrastructure in virtually every American household, connecting computers, smartphones, and smart home appliances to the internet.
What Led to the Decision
The executive branch determination identified two primary concerns driving the policy change. First, officials concluded that reliance on foreign-manufactured routers creates a supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt the U.S. economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense operations. Second, the determination found that such devices carry a serious cybersecurity risk that could potentially be exploited to harm American individuals or disrupt critical infrastructure at scale.
The action comes in the wake of several high-profile cyberattacks in recent years — including the incidents known as Volt Typhoon, Flax Typhoon, and Salt Typhoon — in which foreign-made routers were identified as having played a role in breaches targeting vital U.S. systems.
How the Rules Work
Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, the FCC’s Covered List functions as a regulatory blacklist. Equipment placed on the list is prohibited from receiving FCC equipment authorization, which is required for most electronic devices before they can be legally imported, marketed, or sold in the United States.
Importantly, the FCC cannot add items to the Covered List on its own authority. The agency is required to act on determinations made by national security experts within the executive branch, meaning Monday’s update was triggered by the interagency body’s findings rather than an independent FCC initiative.
What It Means for Consumers
The new rules will not affect Americans who already own foreign-made routers. Previously purchased devices may continue to be used without restriction, and retailers may continue selling router models that received FCC authorization prior to the Covered List update.
The restrictions apply only to new device models that have not yet gone through the equipment authorization process.
A Path Forward for Manufacturers
Router manufacturers are not entirely without options. The determination includes a conditional approval process administered by the Department of War and the Department of Homeland Security. Companies that can demonstrate their devices do not pose the security risks cited in the determination may apply for a conditional approval, which would exempt their products from the restrictions. Applications are to be submitted to the FCC via a designated email address.
Broader Policy Context
The router decision fits within a broader pattern of executive action aimed at reducing American dependence on foreign-made technology components. Similar determinations in late 2025 and early 2026 led to restrictions on foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems and related components, as well as additional communications and video surveillance equipment identified in recent defense authorization legislation.
The policy reflects an ongoing effort by the current administration to tighten control over hardware that touches sensitive domestic networks, with national security officials increasingly treating consumer-grade technology as a potential vector for foreign interference.
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