What can we do after “US bans new foreign-made routers”?

On March 23, 2026, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States announced, “Covered List to Include Foreign-Made Consumer Routers, Prohibiting Approval of New Models”. When a product is in Covered List, it means FCC will not inspect that product. That is, no permission at all from FCC for us to import, sell, or use that product inside the United States. Effectively, the United States bans that product. That is why most press said, “US bans foreign-made routers.”

FACT SHEET: FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Made Consumer Routers, Prohibiting Approval of New Models

It looked frightening when I first read it. The impacts are not immediate, however.

Jianshan Hill Observation Deck (尖山觀景平台)
overlooking Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Tamsui River of Taiwan.

Only for new models

This new policy only applies to new models of foreign-made routers. For any existing models already approved by FCC, we can still legally import, sell, or use them inside the United States.

New devices on the Covered List, such as foreign-made consumer-grade routers, are prohibited from receiving FCC authorization and are therefore prohibited from being imported for use or sale in the U.S. This update to the Covered List does not prohibit the import, sale, or use of any existing device models the FCC previously authorized.

In addition, FCC also added exceptions to foreign-made routers on this new policy: if Department of War (DoW) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approves your foreign-made routers, they are exempt from the Covered List. FCC will inspect them as before and give permission for us to import, sell, or use them if they are qualified.

Producers of consumer-grade routers that receive Conditional Approval from DoW or DHS can continue to receive FCC equipment authorizations. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit applications to conditional-approvals@fcc.gov.

My suggestions for foreign manufacturers

Impacts are NOT on consumers. Impacts are on foreign manufacturers. I have two suggestions for foreign manufacturers.

1. Contact and arrange new product lines for approval by DoW or DHS.

According to the same announcement: contact "conditional-approvals@fcc.gov". Although FCC did not provide further details, this is still a viable option.

2. Migrate your manufacturing facilities into the United States.

This new policy only applies to “foreign made” routers. That is, any routers manufactured inside the United States are exempt by this new policy.

One more thing…

The United States raised security standards to protect her own security. I understand and I respect it.

This new policy only applies to “consumer routers.” Higher end routers such as Cisco’s enterprise grade routers are not among them. The United States has already set significantly stricter requirements for enterprise-grade routers, including NDAA compliance.