The FCC has imposed a ban on the import of consumer routers made outside the U.S., effectively restricting most networking devices from entering the American market. This decision stems from concerns about security risks posed by potential Chinese hackers, which the government has labeled an “unacceptable risk” to national security.
The FCC declared a comprehensive ban on foreign-manufactured consumer routers, asserting that these products represent a significant threat to U.S. national security. This action follows a similar decision made in December, when the FCC prohibited the import of foreign-made drones unless the companies obtained special approval.
With the inclusion of all foreign consumer routers on the target list, the FCC will stop approving their radios, and new devices will no longer enter the U.S. The agency has explained that these products pose an “unacceptable risk to national security and the safety of Americans.”
Consumers can still use their existing Wi-Fi or wired routers without any issues. Additionally, companies with FCC clearance for specific foreign-made products can continue importing those models. However, since nearly all consumer routers are produced outside the U.S., this ban is likely to limit most future consumer networking devices from reaching the U.S. market.
Router manufacturers now have two options if they want to continue selling in the U.S.: they must either secure conditional approval for new products while showing plans for domestic manufacturing or choose to leave the U.S. market entirely. For instance, drone manufacturer DJI has opted for the latter after the foreign drone import ban.
The FCC supported its decision with a national security argument, stating that “permitting routers made overseas to dominate the U.S. market generates unacceptable economic, national security, and cybersecurity risks.” It also pointed out that “routers made overseas were linked to the Bolt, Flux, and Salt Typhoon cyberattacks that targeted vital U.S. infrastructure including communications, energy, transportation, and water.”
The agency underscored the vital role of routers in the U.S. infrastructure, emphasizing, “Given the crucial function of routers in our economy and defense, the U.S. can no longer depend on foreign manufacturers for routers.”
Concerns about router vulnerabilities have escalated in recent years, as these devices have attracted the attention of hackers and botnets. TP-Link, a Chinese company, currently holds a dominant position in the U.S. consumer router market. U.S. officials have considered imposing specific bans targeting TP-Link due to national security worries and the company’s market share.
To distance itself from its Chinese roots, TP-Link has taken several actions, including separating from its Chinese parent company in 2022, establishing a global headquarters in California in 2024, and suing Netgear in 2025 over claims of Chinese government interference in its operations.
There are questions about whether domestic production alone would enhance router security. The Bolt Typhoon hack predominantly affected Cisco and Netgear routers, which are designed by U.S. companies, according to the Department of Justice. These routers became vulnerable when the manufacturers discontinued them and stopped providing security updates.
The FCC’s target list specifically identifies consumer routers as defined in NIST Internal Report 8425A, referring to devices “intended for residential use and can be installed by the customer.” This definition presents a somewhat narrower focus than a complete ban on all routers manufactured abroad.
