FCC votes to ban Chinese and Hong Kong testing labs for US-bound devices

Per Tech Radar, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to ban Chinese and Hong Kong testing laboratories from certifying electronic devices destined for the United States market. This decision could significantly impact the global electronics supply chain, as a substantial majority of devices currently undergo testing in China.

The FCC's unanimous vote on April 30, 2026, extends a prior ban on state-affiliated Chinese labs to encompass all laboratories within China and Hong Kong. This move means that approximately 75% of devices intended for the US market will require testing in alternative locations. Currently, 126 out of the FCC's 591 recognized testing labs are situated in China, often near manufacturing hubs, simplifying logistics. While some Western firms have subsidiaries that could facilitate relocation to the US, Europe, or Taiwan, this is expected to increase costs significantly, with US testing potentially costing three to four times more than in China.

The proposed ban is not final and includes a 60 to 90-day public comment period and a potential two-year grace period. Despite national security concerns cited by FCC Chair Brendan Carr regarding potential device compromise, China remains a dominant manufacturing hub for US electronics.

Source: Tech Radar