FCC Links Telecom Labs to Trade Deals for Security Boost
Published Date: 5/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to stop recognizing test labs and certification bodies in places that don’t have trade agreements with the U.S. They’re also looking to upgrade how they analyze data and protect national security and intellectual property. If you’re involved in telecom testing or certification, get ready for changes and share your thoughts by mid-June 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Stop Recognizing Non‑Reciprocal Labs
The FCC proposes to cease recognition of test laboratories, Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs), and laboratory accreditation bodies that are located in or conduct testing/certification/accreditation in countries that lack a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) or trade agreement providing reciprocity with the U.S. This change would withdraw recognition from existing non‑Reciprocal Economy labs if adopted and would apply to entities based in those non‑MRA countries.
New $20,000 Fee for Non‑MRA Testing
The FCC's proposed fee schedule (Sec. 1.1103 Table 1) includes a line item labeled "Device Testing in Non‑MRA Country" with a proposed fee amount of $20,000. If adopted, applicants relying on device testing performed in non‑MRA countries could be charged this $20,000 fee when filing certain equipment authorization applications.
Possible Transition Tools: Phasing, Waiting, Tiers
The FCC seeks comment on transition approaches before any outright prohibition of non‑Reciprocal Economy test labs, including delaying implementation (for example, one year), phasing out recognition as renewals occur, imposing additional fees that could vary over time, adding waiting periods for additional scrutiny, or requiring more rigorous post‑market surveillance or auditing. The FCC asked for comments on whether fees (for example the $20,000 figure) should be tiered by application type or grantee size and whether funds could be earmarked for surveillance or training.
Considering Stronger IP Safeguards in Testing
The FCC requests comments on what contractual, technical, and procedural safeguards should protect intellectual property during testing and certification, and asks whether ISO/IEC 17025, MRAs, or other legal regimes meaningfully reduce IP theft risk. The Commission is considering whether different safeguards should apply for Reciprocal versus non‑Reciprocal Economies.
Machine‑Readable Equipment Authorization Data
The FCC proposes to require that equipment authorization information be made available and searchable in machine‑readable format "to the extent possible" (Sec. 2.941(c)). This change would make authorization records easier to search and use by automated tools and third parties.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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