FCC Bans ‘Bad Labs’ from U.S. Equipment Authorization Process

[AK9R]

From an FCC press release:

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2025—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted new rules to block and remove Chinese government and other untrustworthy actors’ ability to assert control over America’s wireless equipment authorization process. The rules will ensure that the hundreds of equipment test labs and telecommunications certification bodies – entities that test, review, and certify wireless electronic devices for importation, marketing, and sale in the U.S. – do not have ownership interests that present national security risks, including the risk that they would do the bidding of a foreign adversary.

Note that the FCC is not banning radios and other electronic devices made in China. The FCC is adopting new rules about the test labs used to certify radios and electronic other devices.

You can read the full press release here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-411576A1.pdf

Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/business/me...rity-risks-testing-us-electronics-2025-05-22/

CNet article: FCC Wants to Ban Some Chinese Labs From Testing US-Bound Electronics

 

[KF0NYL]

Oh but some of the Youtube channels will have you believe that radios and other electronic devices are being banned. I've seen at least two or three different YouTube channels stating how Chinese radios are getting banned.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I have seen some pretty dodgy engineering reports coming from certain labs. And the FCC grants for FCC part 9. What is with that?

 

[KF0NYL]

I do agree that the FCC needs to start cracking down on some of the overseas testing labs along with going after the companies putting fake certification stickers on products.

One example that has directly affected me has been those cheap ultrasonic pest deterrent devices people buy. The neighbor bought some to keep cats out of her yard. They aren't even certified. And to make things worse, they don't stop the cats but they sure do hurt my ears and cause severe headaches.

 

[DeoVindice]

Oh but some of the Youtube channels will have you believe that radios and other electronic devices are being banned. I've seen at least two or three different YouTube channels stating how Chinese radios are getting banned.

1) Whatever they can do to get clicks and views.

2) If a given model has fraudulent type acceptance, then it shouldn't be imported.

 

[MTS2000des]

Anyone remember this dubious FCC authorization debacle with the long gone "AnyTone Tech Termin8r" radios? This was over 10 years ago.
The FCC just gets round to addressing this in 2025. Only took a decade and a few million spurious radiating trash cans.

 

[AK9R]

Discussion continues here: Certification Bodies