WireMarch 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Monday a ban on the import of all new foreign-made consumer routers, citing significant cybersecurity risks. This move targets China, which dominates approximately 60% of the U.S. home router market. The ban does not affect existing models but halts the introduction of new devices.
A White House-convened review determined that foreign-made routers pose 'a severe cybersecurity risk that could be leveraged to immediately and severely disrupt U.S. critical infrastructure.' The FCC emphasized that malicious actors have exploited vulnerabilities in these devices to attack households, disrupt networks, and facilitate espionage. Major hacks like Volt and Salt Typhoon have been linked to such exploits.
'Today’s tremendous decision by the FCC and the Trump administration protects our country against China’s relentless cyberattacks,' said Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House select committee on China.
The FCC order includes an exemption for routers deemed acceptable by the Pentagon. This decision follows recent actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who added Chinese electronics companies to a prohibited tech list, and a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against TP-Link Systems for deceptive marketing practices.
The FCC’s ban aligns with its December ruling prohibiting new Chinese drone imports, reflecting escalating measures against foreign technology perceived as threatening U.S. security.