US FCC electronics testing reciprocity proposal

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is preparing for a vote on October 29 regarding proposed 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.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr noted that currently, less than 4 percent of electronic devices are tested in domestic U.S. labs, and expressed a lack of confidence in testing conducted in economies without a reciprocal framework. The proposal aims to address the offshoring of testing capacity and oversight issues in the equipment-authorization program. If adopted, the regulations would take effect on December 1, 2028, allowing manufacturers a two-year window to relocate operations.

The move is expected to significantly impact Chinese laboratories, which handled approximately 83 percent of FCC certification applications in 2025. China's commerce ministry has criticized the proposal, stating it would “seriously undermine the international economic and trade order” and has promised to take measures to protect Chinese enterprises.