The Federal Communications Commission continued its crackdown on Chinese technology on Friday, releasing a new proposal that would extend the companies’ ban to previously authorized products.
In 2021, companies including Huawei, Hikvision, Dahua, Hytera, and ZTE were added to the FCC Covered Companies List, a registry of companies and products that the FCC determines pose a risk to U.S. national security, under the Secure Networks Act. Chinese companies produce cell phones, security cameras and other technology products.
But the 2021 ban only applied to new models that the FCC had not authorized, and companies were free to continue selling models that had already received the FCC seal of approval. If approved, the new proposal would ban these companies entirely, including previously approved products.
“Older models of covered equipment today pose an unacceptable risk when imported or marketed in the United States, not just when such equipment is new to the market,” an October FCC report said.
The proposal will be open for comment until May 6, after which the commission will vote on whether to adopt the rules. The ban will not affect devices already owned by Americans.
Learn more: My Expert Advice: Don’t Buy a Router Until You Learn About the FCC Ban
Millions of consumers and businesses rely on Wi-Fi routers, telecommunications equipment and security cameras every day, making these devices essential links in home and business networks. The Federal Communications Commission shocked the broadband industry on March 23 by ban the sale of future foreign-made Wi-Fi routers (including some of the the biggest router brands).
In recent years, Chinese telecommunications companies have faced restrictions on their operations in the United States. In 2020, the Wall Street Journal U.S. officials cited who reportedly said Chinese companies, including Huawei, were using backdoor access for law enforcement to track sensitive information.
But this ban could be implemented quickly. The FCC proposes that “all parties [will have to] cease all import and marketing activities within 30 days of the date the ban comes into force.”
The proposal does not reflect a final legal decision on telecommunications imports, but it reflects how the Trump administration has put increasing pressure on Chinese technology companies in recent months.
The ban on foreign-made routers is just the latest in a series of decisions imposing restrictions on Chinese technology companies operating in the United States.
In December, the FCC banned importing Chinese-made drones in the United States. Just months before, the agency voted to block new approvals for any device containing parts made by companies on the covered list.
Representatives for the FCC and Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
