US FCC bans wireless router imports, citing security concerns

Published Tue, Mar 24, 2026 · 08:12 AM

[WASHINGTON] The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered a ban on the import of new models of foreign-produced consumer wireless routers after an interagency panel determined they threaten national security.

While the FCC said that companies could apply for exemptions, the move could dramatically shake up the market for routers, which are primarily made overseas. Consumers and businesses connect wired Internet lines to routers to create Wi-Fi networks for computers, phones, TVs, cameras and other internet-enabled products.

The action puts further pressure on TP-Link Systems, one of the world’s largest makers of routers. The company, which was founded in China 30 years ago but which has since set up its headquarters in Irvine, California, is already facing investigations by the Trump administration over concerns that its connections to China could threaten national security.

“While the rule does not name China, the direction of travel is pretty clear, and it raises the stakes for how the US approaches connected devices going forward,” said Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Other router makers include Netgear, Alphabet’s Google Nest, Amazon.com’s Eero, Cisco Systems, Linksys and Asustek Computer. They all build their products overseas.

The import ban is in place regardless of the nationality of the developer. Many of the router makers are based in the US.

Netgear shares rose as much as 16.7 per cent in after-hours trading, suggesting that investors believe the company will get an exemption and that a ban of TP-Link’s products would lessen competition.

“We commend the Administration and the FCC for their action towards a safer digital future for Americans,” a spokesperson for Netgear said.

None of the other companies immediately responded to requests for comment. TP-Link has said in the past that it welcomes the opportunity to engage with the US government to demonstrate that its security practices are in line with industry standards and said that it’s committed to addressing any national security issues.

SEE ALSO

In making its decision, the FCC cited a National Security Determination provided on Mar 20. “Recently, malicious state and non-state sponsored cyber attackers have increasingly leveraged the vulnerabilities in small and home office routers produced abroad to carry out direct attacks against American civilians in their homes,” the notice said.

The FCC added that it believes routers could introduce a “supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt the US economy, critical infrastructure, and national defence”. The agency added that foreign-made routers were exploited in the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon cyberattacks targeting US infrastructure.

The move does not impact consumers’ ability to continue using previously purchased routers, and retailers will be allowed to keep selling already-imported routers.

The latest development is reminiscent of a ban on smartphones developed by Chinese companies, including Huawei Technologies. BLOOMBERG