FCC Adopts Rules to Strengthen Rules Governing Dangerous Gear
Rules Will Close Covered List Loopholes and Modernize FCC Equipment Authorization 
   
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2026—Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to strengthen the FCC’s oversight of electronic devices and protect Americans against insecure gear.  While the FCC’s rules have long prohibited finished products produced by entities whose devices have been determined to threaten national security, today’s action closes the component part loophole, banning new devices containing Covered List entity components.  In addition, it will require e-commerce platforms to display FCC IDs when marketing or selling FCC-certified devices.

The Commission first proposed closing the component parts loophole in 2021 and took an initial step last October when the agency addressed devices containing modular transmitters produced by Covered List entities.  With today’s action, the FCC closes that loophole by targeting devices incorporating logic bearing hardware components produced by Covered List entities.  The idea is simple: if a device would be banned from getting a new FCC equipment authorization if the device were produced by a Covered List entity, a device containing a “smart” component produced by such entity should also be prohibited from new authorizations. 

Today’s decision also bolsters oversight of the e-commerce platforms.  Last year, the Commission—working in close partnership with leading e-commerce platforms—launched Operation Clean Carts, an effort to rid these sites of unauthorized, potentially dangerous equipment.  This has resulted in over 4 million devices being removed from platforms.  Today’s action clarifies that e-commerce platforms must comply with FCC rules even if marketing or selling third party products.  We also require e-commerce platforms to list FCC IDs for FCC-certified devices to permit greater consumer awareness of the devices they are purchasing and facilitate FCC oversight and enforcement of our national security rules.  These rules come with reasonable timelines, exemptions for small sellers and sellers of used goods, and only do not require platforms to verify FCC IDs supplied by third parties.

In addition, the Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) adopted today proposes a wide range of measures to modernize FCC equipment authorization rules.  Recognizing that the Covered List has recently evolved to include equipment categorized by place-of-production, the proposed rules will bifurcate the Covered List into producer/provider-based entries and production location-based entries—notably Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), UAS critical components, and consumer routers.  Among other proposals, the FNPRM seeks to expand supply chain disclosures for such equipment at the application stage, while also permitting certain modifications to ensure installed equipment continues to get software and hardware updates.  Lastly, the FNPRM also proposes strengthening oversight of the self-attestation Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity process and closing loopholes in our importation and marketing rules. 

Action by the Commission July 22, 2026 by Third Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-50).  Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving.  Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.

ET Docket No. 21-232

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