FCC Proposes New Geographic Limits On Equipment Testing

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a draft order that would end recognition of equipment testing laboratories in mainland China and other countries lacking reciprocal arrangements with the United States. The proposed restrictions would apply to new equipment authorization applications received after December 1, 2028, while preserving existing product certifications. Manufacturers that rely on affected laboratories for testing would need to change where their FCC lab testing occurs, even if their specific products are not on the FCC’s Covered List. The proposal is to be voted on at the FCC’s October 29, 2026 open meeting. The proposal would affect the testing infrastructure used across the FCC certification program.