The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a sweeping ban on new consumer-grade routers made outside the United States, citing national security concerns under a directive from President Donald Trump.
The move blocks the import and sale of newly manufactured foreign-produced routers, regardless of the company’s origin.
However, routers that have already been approved can remain on sale, and users can continue using their existing devices. New foreign models can also seek an exemption from the Defense Department by submitting a plan to manufacture in the US.
Officials say hackers have increasingly exploited vulnerabilities in foreign-made routers, enabling cyberattacks, surveillance, and data theft. To address this, the FCC expanded its “Covered List” to include all such devices.
The policy aims to reduce reliance on global supply chains and strengthen cybersecurity, as most routers used in American homes are currently produced abroad.