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FCC Moves to Tighten Regulations on Chinese Labs in Electronics Testing
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – On May 22, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote on a proposal aimed at preventing certain Chinese laboratories, perceived as security risks, from testing electronic devices for use in the United States. This decision follows ongoing concerns regarding national security implications related to foreign testing agencies.
All electronics intended for use in the U.S. are required to undergo the FCC’s equipment authorization process prior to importation.
“We’re closing another potential gap in our security framework by ensuring only reliable labs can participate in our evaluation process,” stated FCC Chair Brendan Carr in a recent interview.
In November 2022, the FCC prohibited the approval of new telecommunications equipment from major players such as Huawei and ZTE, as well as video surveillance technology from firms like Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Reports suggest that around 75% of electronic devices are currently tested in laboratories located in China.
“If a lab that lacks trustworthiness is responsible for ensuring that equipment from Huawei or ZTE isn’t entering the country, we face significant risks,” Carr remarked.
Response from the affected companies has not been reported as they did not immediately address requests for comments.
The forthcoming order will prohibit testing by any Chinese lab influenced or managed by firms included on the FCC’s “Covered List,” which identifies specific communication technologies and services as threats to national security. The FCC reserves the right to revoke recognition of labs if they are found to have connections with these disallowed companies.
In addition, the agency is inviting public commentary on a broader initiative to extend this ban to all laboratories within China and other nations identified as foreign adversaries. It is also exploring strategies to promote the establishment and testing capabilities of new labs in the United States.
Furthermore, the FCC is poised to advance a proposal mandating entities with significant affiliations to China or other adversarial nations to disclose all licenses and authorizations they hold from the FCC. This would involve gathering information on hundreds of thousands of licenses encompassing various categories, such as broadcasting, equipment approvals, and submarine cable licenses.
Carr noted that the proposed regulations reflect existing congressional legislation. “If there are concerning links to a foreign adversary, that information should be readily available to the FCC,” he indicated.
In March, the FCC reported it is investigating nine Chinese companies, including Huawei, Hikvision, China Mobile, and China Telecom, to ascertain whether they are attempting to circumvent U.S. restrictions.
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