FCC Bans Sale of New Foreign-Made Wi-Fi Routers Citing National Security Risks
In a significant move to bolster national security, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the sale of new Wi-Fi routers manufactured in foreign countries. The order, announced late Monday afternoon, stems from a White House determination that foreign-made routers introduce “supply chain vulnerabilities” that could be exploited by hackers and cyberspies.
The FCC updated its “covered list,” which identifies telecom equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. National security, to now include “all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries.” FCC Announcement
However, the FCC clarified that the ban does not affect routers already purchased by consumers. Individuals can continue to apply any router they have lawfully acquired. Retailers can continue selling previously approved router models.
“This action means that new models of foreign-produced routers will no longer be eligible for marketing or sale in the US,” stated FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on X.
National Security Concerns Drive the Ban
The FCC’s decision is based on a national security determination issued by the Trump administration, which highlighted the potential for “built-in backdoors” in foreign-made routers. The four-page document details concerns that hackers, including those sponsored by the Chinese government, have exploited vulnerabilities in consumer-grade routers to host malicious activities.
The FCC specifically cited the involvement of foreign-made routers in cyberattacks like Volt, Flax and Salt Typhoon, which targeted critical U.S. Infrastructure and are suspected to have originated from China.
Impact on Router Manufacturers
The ban could affect a wide range of router providers, including U.S.-based Netgear, as many routers are manufactured in countries like Taiwan and Vietnam, in addition to China. However, the FCC allows router makers to seek exemptions from the Pentagon or the Department of Homeland Security.
To obtain an exemption, vendors must demonstrate why the product isn’t manufactured in the U.S. And provide a “detailed, time-bound plan to establish or expand manufacturing in the United States” for the router. Application Guidance
Netgear stated it welcomes the decision and emphasized its commitment to security and adherence to government regulations, noting that its products are not manufactured in China. TP-Link acknowledged the potential industry-wide impact, stating that “virtually all routers are made outside the United States,” and expressed confidence in its supply chain security.
Concerns Regarding Chinese-Made Routers
The move comes amid growing concerns about the security risks posed by Chinese technology companies. A letter from the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party to the Department of Commerce in August 2024 highlighted the risks associated with TP-Link routers, the world’s largest provider of Wi-Fi products. House Select Committee Letter
The committee expressed concerns that state-sponsored hackers could more easily compromise TP-Link routers due to their manufacturing location in China and their adherence to Chinese national security laws, which could compel them to hand over sensitive U.S. Information. The letter also referenced a 2023 incident where Chinese cyber military forces used TP-Link routers in a hacking campaign targeting European government officials.
Legislative Efforts to Enhance Router Security
The FCC’s action aligns with ongoing legislative efforts to address router security. In April 2025, the House passed the Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act (H.R. 866), which directs the Secretary of Commerce to study national security risks and cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with consumer routers, modems, and combination devices. ROUTERS Act
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this ban affect my existing Wi-Fi router?
No, the ban only applies to the sale of new foreign-made routers. You can continue to use any router you have already purchased.
Does this ban include all routers, regardless of where they are designed?
No. The ban applies to routers that are designed, developed, or manufactured outside of the United States.
Can router manufacturers obtain an exemption from the ban?
Yes, manufacturers can apply for an exemption from the Pentagon or the Department of Homeland Security by demonstrating a plan to establish or expand manufacturing in the United States.
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