FCC to Vote on New Safeguards Against Untrustworthy Gear
Rules Would Further Protect U.S. Communications Networks from Foreign Adversaries
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WASHINGTON, October 7, 2025—FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced this week that the FCC will be taking additional action to secure America’s communications networks.  Specifically, the FCC will vote on an order that closes two potential loopholes in FCC protections against insecure or spy gear.  While the FCC’s Covered List rules already prohibit new models of insecure Huawei, Hikvision, and similar Covered List gear from being imported, sold, or marketed in the U.S., agency regulations have not applied those prohibitions to previously authorized models, permitting them to continue to be imported, sold, and marketed.  Additionally, those regulations have not applied to covered component parts that are included within otherwise authorized devices.

The proposed Order circulated by Chairman Carr would extend the agency’s existing safeguards in two ways.  First, the new rules would establish a process for the FCC to prohibit the import, marketing, or sale of already-authorized devices that the agency subsequently placed on the Covered List based on national security concerns.  The FCC could apply this new rule in a targeted manner.  Second, the new rules would close the component parts loophole—meaning, that certain insecure Huawei, Hikvision, or similar gear could no longer be included as components within otherwise lawful or authorized devices.

The Commission will also vote to adopt a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on extending our equipment security prohibitions to a larger class of foreign adversary-controlled devices and component parts produced by Covered List entities, as well as various measures to strengthen enforcement against unlawful marketing of covered equipment.

Chairman Carr issued the following statement: 

“For years, we have known that devices produced by Huawei, Hikvision, and other Covered List entities threaten America’s national security.  But up to now, FCC regulations have not prevented Covered List providers from continuing to sell previously authorized device models.  Nor have they applied to a device’s component parts.  This month, the FCC will vote on closing these loopholes and providing the agency with new tools to safeguard our networks from insecure spy gear.  These actions build on the FCC’s long-standing and bipartisan commitment to promoting America’s national security.”

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Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov / (202) 418-0500
@FCC / www.fcc.gov

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).