FCC Bans Foreign-Made Routers: What Consumers Need to Know

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has moved to restrict the approval of fresh, consumer-grade routers manufactured in foreign countries, citing significant national security and cybersecurity risks. While the move doesn’t immediately impact routers already in use in American homes, all new routers intended for the consumer market will now require FCC approval before they can be imported, marketed, or sold within the United States. This policy shift aims to address vulnerabilities that have been exploited by malicious actors, but raises questions about supply chain disruption and potential price increases for consumers.

Why the Focus on Foreign-Made Routers?

The FCC’s decision stems from concerns that security flaws in foreign-made routers have been leveraged to compromise American networks and data. According to the FCC, these vulnerabilities have been exploited “to attack American households, disrupt networks, enable espionage, and facilitate intellectual property theft.” The agency specifically cited involvement in cyberattacks like Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon, which targeted critical US infrastructure. These attacks underscore the potential for compromised routers to serve as entry points for broader network intrusions.

The routers in question have been added to the FCC’s “Covered List,” a catalog of communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security. Bogdan Botezatu, Director of Threat Research at cybersecurity firm Bitdefender, explained that this ban is a proactive step to bolster the cybersecurity posture of US households, particularly given the current geopolitical climate. “Consumer routers sit at the edge of every home network, which makes them an attractive target and a strategic risk if compromised at scale,” he said.

What Does “Foreign-Made” Actually Signify?

Defining “foreign-made” is proving to be a complex issue. The ban targets “consumer-grade” routers, potentially encompassing any device designed or manufactured outside the US, or produced by companies not wholly owned and operated within the country. This broad definition includes major router manufacturers like Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, Amazon’s Eero, Google’s Nest, Synology, Linksys, and Ubiquiti – and extends to most routers currently supplied by internet service providers (ISPs) in the US.

Manufacturers aren’t entirely blocked, however. They can apply for Conditional Approval from the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. This process requires detailed disclosure of ownership, board membership, country of origin for components, intellectual property ownership, design, assembly, and firmware details. Critically, applicants must too present a plan for onshoring manufacturing to the US. As of March 24, 2026, no routers or manufacturers have yet received Conditional Approval, but the FCC anticipates a timely review process.

Impact on Major Router Brands

The ban’s impact will vary across manufacturers. TP-Link, which currently manufactures all its routers overseas, will necessitate to either secure Conditional Approval or establish manufacturing operations within the US to continue selling new routers in the American market. TP-Link holds an estimated 35% market share in the US consumer router segment, with Netgear and Asus accounting for roughly another 25% combined.

The company has been under scrutiny for some time, with the US Commerce, Defense, and Justice departments reportedly investigating potential links to China. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently filed a lawsuit alleging that TP-Link allows the Chinese Communist Party access to American consumers’ devices, claims the company vehemently denies. TP-Link maintains it has divested from its Chinese roots and is now headquartered in the US, with much of its manufacturing taking place in Vietnam.

Netgear, while US-founded and headquartered, relies on overseas manufacturing, primarily in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan. The company will also need to pursue Conditional Approval. Netgear has been actively lobbying the government on cybersecurity and strategic competition with China, and its stock price reportedly increased following the FCC announcement, suggesting investor confidence in its ability to navigate the new regulations.

Asus primarily manufactures its routers in Taiwan, with some production in China and through third-party manufacturers. Like TP-Link and Netgear, Asus will need to apply for Conditional Approval to continue selling new routers in the US.

Components vs. Final Assembly

The FCC has clarified that the ban applies to the finished router, not necessarily individual components. According to the FCC’s FAQ, a router produced in the United States is not considered “covered” equipment solely because it contains foreign-made components. This suggests that manufacturers importing components from China but assembling the final product in the US may be able to comply with the new regulations. However, the level of evidence required to demonstrate US production remains somewhat unclear.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

For the average consumer, the immediate impact of the ban is likely to be limited. Existing routers in homes and currently on sale will not be affected. However, the ban could lead to supply chain disruptions and potentially higher prices for new routers in the long run. Brandon Butler, a research manager at IDC, notes that “much will depend on how quickly conditional waivers are processed,” and that any delays could “constrain supply and create upward pressure on pricing.”

Experts recommend that consumers prioritize routers from reputable manufacturers with a strong track record of security updates and firmware support. Bitdefender’s Botezatu advises sticking with brands that demonstrate a commitment to long-term device maintenance and vulnerability management.

Looking Ahead: Conditional Approvals and Onshoring

The future of the US router market hinges on the FCC’s Conditional Approval process and the willingness of manufacturers to invest in domestic production. The agency’s push for onshoring reflects a broader trend towards securing critical supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the FCC can balance national security concerns with the need for a competitive and affordable router market.