The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a ban that would prevent electronics manufacturers from using Chinese laboratories for product testing, citing concerns over national security.
This proposed regulation focuses on the process through which companies obtain “equipment authorization” for devices that emit radio signals, including mobile phones, routers, and some gaming consoles. For many years, companies have been required to test their products in certified labs to ensure they comply with FCC standards, particularly regarding the risk of radio interference. However, FCC Chair Brendan Carr has voiced apprehensions about the reliability of testing facilities located in China, referring to them as associated with a “foreign adversary government.”
In a recent blog entry, Carr emphasized, “While we have begun integrating national security evaluations into our equipment authorization procedures, we lack formal regulations ensuring that the labs performing these tests are trustworthy.”
He pointed to Huawei as an example, noting that the company is banned from selling or importing products in the U.S. due to alleged connections to the Chinese government. Carr stated, “Until last year, the FCC permitted Huawei to operate its own testing laboratory. Relying on a Huawei facility to verify that it isn’t approving restricted Huawei devices seems like an unwise decision.”
The commission plans to vote on this potential ban in the upcoming month. If approved, it could lead to significant changes in the industry. Carr indicated, “Currently, around 75% of electronic devices are tested in labs situated in China.”
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According to the FCC’s records, there are 168 certified testing facilities in China, 111 in the United States, and 114 in Taiwan.
As part of the ongoing process, Carr mentioned that the commission will also solicit feedback on strategies to enhance the testing and certification of imported electronics in the U.S. Meanwhile, companies like Nintendo, SpaceX, and Apple have been utilizing certified labs in Japan, Taiwan, and the U.K. for their product testing.
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About Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
