Trump FCC prohibits import and sale of new Wi-Fi routers made outside US

In a significant move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has declared that it will no longer authorize the importation or sale of consumer-grade Wi-Fi routers manufactured outside the United States. This decision is rooted in a directive from former President Trump aimed at minimizing reliance on foreign technology for national security purposes. The ban means that new models of routers produced outside the U.S. will not be permitted in the market, although existing routers that have already received approval can still be sold and used by consumers. The FCC clarified that any new devices partially manufactured abroad must receive a clearance from either the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security to ensure they do not pose security threats. This prohibition impacts both domestic and international companies producing routers outside U.S. borders, and it encompasses every significant phase of the manufacturing process, including design, assembly, and development. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized the implications of this decision on social media, stating, "New models of foreign-produced routers will no longer be eligible for marketing or sale in the U.S." Notably, there is an exception for devices that have been granted 'Conditional Approval' by the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security after thorough evaluation. Router manufacturers aiming for conditional approval will need to provide a robust justification for their reliance on foreign production, detailing why similar products are not made domestically and outlining a plan to bolster U.S. manufacturing capabilities. This decisive action by the FCC follows a national security assessment from a collaborative group of security experts who have noted an alarming trend: cyber attackers, both state-sponsored and independent, have increasingly exploited vulnerabilities in foreign-made routers to target American citizens in their own homes.