Key facts
- The FCC has tentatively voted to ban the sale and import of devices containing key hardware from Chinese companies deemed national security risks.
- The ban specifically targets certain military-grade drones, including swarming and infrared models.
- The new rules prohibit devices containing any Huawei-made logic-bearing hardware component.
- The FCC previously banned new foreign drone and router imports and equipment from a group of Chinese manufacturers.
- Exemptions for non-Chinese drones and components are extended until January 2028.
- The ban would not apply to drones purchased by the federal government or non-military grade drones.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has tentatively voted to ban the sale and import of devices containing key hardware from Chinese companies deemed national security risks, including certain military-grade drones. The proposed rule, which will be open for public comment for 30 days, aims to close a loophole that allowed components from banned firms to be used in approved devices.
The U.S. telecom watchdog maintains a list of firms, including Huawei and ZTE, whose equipment is barred for sale in the U.S. over national security concerns. FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated the agency would 'fully close the component part loophole.' Since 2022, devices made by companies on the list were banned from getting new authorizations, but devices containing banned component parts could continue to get approval to enter the U.S. market. The new rules prohibit devices containing any Huawei-made logic-bearing hardware component.
The FCC banned the import of more equipment from a group of Chinese manufacturers effective July 16 and has proposed to ban the import of most military-grade drones. The agency also banned imports of new foreign drone and router models in recent months and has proposed to prohibit U.S. telecommunications carriers from interconnecting with Chinese telecom firms deemed national security risks. The FCC is also considering banning Chinese telecoms companies that own data centers in the United States or Points of Presence from interconnecting with other companies, which would effectively require them to stop operating those U.S. centers.
China-based DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, has previously challenged the FCC's import ban. Many U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns about the national security implications of Chinese-made drones. The Trump administration had previously intensified scrutiny on Chinese technology imports.