The FCC has decided to prohibit all testing of electronic devices intended for the US market in Chinese laboratories. Devices designated for the US must undergo specific FCC certifications to ensure compliance with standards related to radio emissions and network compatibility. Currently, approximately 75% of US devices depend on testing conducted in Chinese labs at their manufacturers' R&D centers.
Given that the US has classified China as a security threat for some time, this decision may not be surprising to many. Following the FCC's ruling, there will be a 30-60 day period during which industry stakeholders and consumers can submit public comments. The FCC may amend the ban based on this feedback.
In addition to the ban, the FCC has proposed another measure that would restrict the testing of US devices in any country lacking a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), which would enable recognition of testing results across borders. Notably, there is no MRA between the US and China.
If this proposal is ratified, it is unlikely to impact already certified devices. Existing devices will remain on the US market for two years before requiring re-certification. This means older models, such as iPhones, Pixels, and Galaxy devices, are not expected to need re-certification before being phased out.
In the future, smartphones will need to be shipped from China to countries with authorized testing laboratories for FCC approval prior to entering the US market. While this process may incur additional costs and delays, it appears to be a necessary step forward.
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