FCC Firewall: US Moves to Block China Lab Testing in Tech Supply Chain
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States has moved to tighten restrictions on Chinese laboratories. The agency is set to vote on a proposal on April 30 that would ban all Chinese labs from testing electronic devices—such as smartphones, cameras, and computers—for use in the United States.
Last year, the FCC had already prohibited laboratories owned or controlled by the Chinese government. However, the agency believes that most private Chinese labs are still continuing such activities.
According to FCC data, approximately 75 percent of the world’s electronic products are tested in various laboratories in China. This heavy reliance has raised concerns over whether these labs can ensure adequate security standards.
If the new regulation is implemented, products tested in Chinese laboratories will no longer be considered valid for use in the United States. However, the FCC is considering alternative pathways for manufacturers. The agency is also planning a separate vote to simplify approval processes for devices tested within the United States or in laboratories located in “low-risk” countries.
Beyond electronic devices, the FCC has recently proposed restrictions on the import of equipment from Chinese companies. Earlier, regulations had already been imposed on the import of Chinese-made drones and consumer routers. The agency stated that these restrictions will also apply to previously approved older models.
The move is being viewed as part of Washington’s broader strategy to reduce China’s influence in the technology sector.
DBTech/BMT/OR
