FCC imposes sweeping ban on foreign-made routers, affecting all new models

The Federal Communications Commission announced it will no longer approve new consumer-grade routers manufactured outside the United States, citing a Trump administration directive on reducing foreign technology use for national security. The ban covers routers made at any stage outside the US—including manufacturing, assembly, design, and development—and applies to both foreign and American companies with overseas production. Existing approved routers can continue to be sold, and consumers may keep previously purchased devices, but new foreign-made models will require a national security waiver from the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security before FCC approval. The move effectively blocks future imports and sales of new router models unless manufacturers can secure that exemption or move production to the US.