The USA’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has now announced that also import of certain new advanced robotics devices and power inverters will be restricted. This represents another step in the Commission’s ongoing implementation of the Secure & Trusted Communications Networks Act and related national security initiatives.
Unlike traditional technical compliance requirements, these restrictions focus on supply chain, ownership, production, and national security considerations that may affect a product's eligibility for the U.S market.
The restriction does not affect use, import or sale of devices FCC authorized (Certification or SDoC) prior to July 28, 2026. In terms of changes in hardware, software/firmware - at the present time, the only permitted change to Covered Equipment is basic software and firmware updates to maintain usability pursuant to an FCC temporary blanket waiver ET Docket No. 21-232. Foreign manufacturers seeking a waiver to continue receiving FCC equipment authorizations for covered equipment must submit a machine-readable PDF application for Conditional Approval to conditional-approvals@fcc.gov no later than January 1, 2028.
Companies developing robotics, automation equipment, AI-enabled systems, energy storage products, and inverter technologies should carefully evaluate whether their products, manufacturing arrangements, or supply chains could be impacted by the new requirements.
Early assessment is particularly important for organizations planning future FCC certification activities or if introducing new products into the U.S. market. Understanding the scope and applicability of the new requirements can be challenging, and also FCC’s equipment authorization strategies and the identification of potential compliance risks before products are submitted for certification.
More detailed information about this topic can be seen in this blog post: FCC Covered List Expands to Include Foreign-Produced Advanced Robotic Devices.
For additional information and/or for guidance on performing product assessment, please contact Vina.Kerai@nemko.com.
(This article is based on a blog post (link above) by Vina Kerai; edited by T.Sollie)
