FCC Proposes Ban on Chinese Labs for US Electronics Testing

• •FCC plans to vote on banning Chinese labs from testing US electronics on October 29.
• •82% of devices authorized in 2025 were tested in China, highlighting dependency on Chinese labs.
• •China's government has vowed to retaliate against the proposed restrictions, citing trade implications.

The FCC is set to vote on October 29, 2026, on a proposal to prohibit Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices for the US market. This move follows a significant reliance on Chinese labs, which tested 82% of devices authorized for sale in the US in 2025. If approved, the ban will take effect on December 1, 2028, forcing manufacturers to relocate testing operations. The proposal has drawn criticism from China, which claims it undermines international trade and threatens bilateral relations. The FCC's Chairman Brendan Carr argues that the ban is necessary for fair economic treatment, as less than 4% of devices are tested in US labs. This proposal builds on previous restrictions targeting Chinese technology and testing services. Analysts warn that the ban could disrupt global electronics supply chains and increase costs for manufacturers reliant on Chinese testing capabilities.