FCC Router Ban: US Security Risks & Foreign-Made Devices
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Monday issued an order prohibiting the import of novel consumer-grade routers manufactured outside of the United States, citing national security concerns. The ban, which applies to all “consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries,” stems from fears that foreign-made devices pose unacceptable risks to U.S. Security and could be exploited for espionage, cybercrime, and attacks on critical infrastructure.
According to the FCC, malicious actors have already leveraged vulnerabilities in foreign-made routers to compromise American households and networks. The agency specifically cited the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon cyberattacks, which targeted vital U.S. Infrastructure and involved routers produced overseas. At least 60% of the routers currently in use in U.S. Homes are manufactured outside the country, with a significant portion originating in China, according to officials.
The order does not affect routers already in use, nor does it prevent retailers from selling existing, previously authorized inventory. Routers that have already received FCC approval can continue to be imported, marketed, and sold. The FCC is also allowing for exemptions, stating that new devices may be granted approval with the endorsement of the Departments of Defense or Homeland Security.
The move is the latest development in the Biden Administration’s ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign-made technology. It echoes elements of the Trump Administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy, which emphasized the need to eliminate dependence on external powers for essential components of the nation’s defense and economy.
TP-Link Systems Inc., a major router manufacturer founded in China but now headquartered in Irvine, California, is already facing scrutiny over potential national security concerns. A spokesperson for the company stated they are “confident in the security of our supply chain” and “welcome this evaluation of the entire industry.”
Netgear Inc., another prominent router manufacturer, saw its shares rise as much as 16.7% in after-hours trading, suggesting investor confidence that the company will secure an exemption from the ban and benefit from reduced competition. A Netgear spokesperson released a statement commending the Administration and the FCC for taking action “toward a safer digital future for Americans.”
Even as the FCC did not explicitly name China as the source of the security risks, analysts suggest the ban is largely directed at Chinese-made routers. Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that “the direction of travel is pretty clear, and it raises the stakes for how the US approaches connected devices going forward.”
The FCC has not provided evidence indicating that U.S.-made routers are inherently more secure than those developed overseas. The agency’s decision is based on concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and the potential for malicious actors to exploit flaws in foreign-made devices. The order is expected to face legal challenges, and the long-term impact on the router market remains uncertain.