The FCC has banned the import of new foreign-made Wi-Fi routers to address national security and cybersecurity concerns.

Key points

• Security focus: The FCC claims foreign-manufactured routers pose risks to U.S. critical infrastructure and national defense by creating supply chain vulnerabilities.

Current devices are safe: The ban only applies to new* router models; devices currently on the market or already authorized for sale remain unaffected and can still be purchased.

• Major brands impacted: Popular manufacturers like TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, Linksys, Eero, and Google Nest are affected because they currently produce their hardware outside the U.S.
• Future market changes: To sell new models in the U.S., companies will likely need to shift manufacturing to domestic facilities, which may lead to supply shortages and higher retail prices for consumers.
• Conditional approval: Future routers will face a strict "conditional approval" process, meaning the latest technology (such as upcoming Wi-Fi 8 devices) may be delayed or unavailable if manufacturers do not meet U.S. production requirements.

Why it matters

This policy marks a significant shift in how the U.S. regulates consumer electronics, prioritizing national security over the globalized supply chains that have historically kept router prices low. Consumers should expect fewer options and potentially higher costs as the industry adjusts to these new domestic manufacturing requirements.