US blocks sale of new imported routers

The Federal Communications Commission has ordered a ban on the importation and sale of new types of consumer wireless routers manufactured outside the US due to concerns over national security, according to PCMag.

The FCC added "all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries" to its list of devices that could pose a threat to the country's national security. The move comes after the White House's four-page determination found that routers manufactured overseas create "supply chain vulnerabilities" that cybercriminals can take advantage of.

"This action does not affect any previously purchased consumer-grade routers. Consumers can continue to use any router they have already lawfully purchased or acquired," the FCC emphasized.

The order significantly prohibits companies from selling any new Wi-Fi routers that are created, produced, or designed outside of the United States, including a new Wi-Fi router made in the US but manufactured elsewhere, or the other way around.

However, router manufacturers can obtain an exception from the Department of Homeland Security or the Pentagon, provided that their application includes proof that the device isn't produced in the US and a "detailed, time-bound plan to establish or expand manufacturing in the United States for the router for which the applicant is seeking Conditional Approval."