FCC to vote on restricting electronics testing to U.S. and reciprocal labs

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is scheduled to vote on October 29 regarding new rules that would restrict electronics testing to laboratories located within the United States or in countries that offer reciprocal recognition to U.S.-based labs. This move is expected to significantly impact Chinese laboratories, which handled approximately 83 percent of FCC certification applications in 2025.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the commission lacks confidence in testing conducted in economies without a reciprocal framework, citing a pattern of violations. He noted that currently, less than 4 percent of all electronic devices are tested in domestic U.S. labs. The proposed order aims to address the offshoring of testing capacity and the lack of oversight in the equipment-authorization program.

If adopted, the new regulations would require testing, certification, and accreditation to occur in the U.S. or a reciprocal economy starting December 1, 2028. This follows previous FCC actions targeting Chinese technology, including bans on certain Chinese drones, consumer routers, and hardware from companies deemed national security risks.