FCC Covered List and foreign-produced routers: which devices the March 2026 addition reaches and what still works

Since March 23, 2026, new models of foreign-produced consumer-grade routers cannot receive FCC equipment authorization unless granted a Conditional Approval. Previously authorized models can still be imported, sold, used and updated, and enterprise equipment is outside the definition.

Source facts

On March 23, 2026 the FCC added routers produced in a foreign country, except those granted a Conditional Approval by the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security, to the Covered List. According to the FCC’s FAQ, new models of such routers cannot receive FCC equipment authorization and therefore may not be imported or sold, while routers that previously received authorization, shown by the FCC ID on the device, may continue to be imported, sold and used.

The definition covers consumer-grade devices intended for residential use that the customer can install. The FAQ’s table counts consumer or small and medium-sized business routers sold or rented through retail and self-installable, residential gateways combining modem and router functions, and residential LTE/5G CPE, but not analog telephone adapters, optical network terminals or industrial, enterprise or military equipment.

Production includes any major stage, such as manufacturing, assembly, design and development, and the producer’s nationality does not matter. Covered routers can continue to receive basic software and firmware updates under a waiver, and repairs of already-authorized devices are not prohibited.

Applicability

Use this when buying, replacing or standardizing routers for small sites and remote workers. The FAQ states that the Covered List does not restrict import or sale of routers for exclusive federal government use, and that there is no published make-and-model list of covered routers.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends checking the FCC ID and the Conditional Approvals list before buying or standardizing on any consumer-grade router model. Record the FCC ID of every router in the asset inventory, keep firmware updates running on installed units, prefer enterprise-class equipment for business sites where the design calls for it, and ask suppliers in writing whether a newly announced model has FCC authorization or a Conditional Approval.

Verification

For each router purchase, retain the FCC ID shown on the device or label and confirm it in the FCC equipment authorization records before deployment. Re-check the Covered List and its Conditional Approvals tab when planning a hardware refresh, because the FCC updates them as determinations change.

Official references

FCC — FAQs on Recent Updates to FCC Covered List Regarding Routers Produced in Foreign Countries. FCC — List of Equipment and Services Covered By Section 2 of The Secure Networks Act. Reviewed October 18, 2026.