FCC Eyes Ban on Sneaky Spy Gear Imports from Yesteryear
Published Date: 4/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC wants your thoughts on banning the import and sale of certain communications gear that was once allowed but now poses security risks. This affects companies dealing with equipment added to the risky list in 2024 or earlier. If approved, these changes could stop some products from coming into the U.S. starting soon, helping keep everyone safer without surprise costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
30-Day Compliance Timeline Proposed
The FCC proposes that all parties must cease importation and marketing activities within 30 days of the effective date of any adopted prohibition, and it seeks comment on whether importation should take immediate effect while marketing is delayed up to 30 days. The Commission asked manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers to comment on quantities already imported, items en route, and outstanding agreements.
FCC Says Ban Serves Public Interest
The FCC tentatively concludes that prohibiting importation and marketing of the previously authorized covered equipment added in 2024 or earlier serves the public interest because it protects U.S. communications networks from devices determined to pose unacceptable national security risks. The Commission seeks comment on this public interest analysis.
Ban on Importing Older Covered Gear
The FCC is proposing to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of communications equipment that was added to the Covered List in 2024 or earlier and that was previously authorized before the adoption of the Commission's 2022 rules. If adopted, affected manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers would no longer be allowed to import or market those covered devices in the United States.
Existing Devices Can Still Be Used
The proposed prohibition would not affect the continued use or operation of covered communications equipment that is already in the hands of users. You could keep using devices you already purchased even if importation and marketing of those models are later banned.
Excludes Equipment Added After 2024
The proposal would apply only to equipment added to the Covered List in 2024 or earlier and would not affect equipment added to the Covered List after 2024. Manufacturers or sellers of equipment added after 2024 would not be subject to this proposed prohibition under the Public Notice.
Kaspersky-Listed Devices Already Blocked
Devices that were added to the Covered List as part of the Kaspersky listing in 2024 are already prohibited from importation or marketing under Department of Commerce rules, so the proposed FCC prohibition would not change that status. Firms dealing with those Kaspersky-related devices should already be complying with the Department of Commerce prohibition.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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